Months before his death Michael Jackson had received large, regular shots of the strong painkiller demerol as well as Botox shots, the jurors at Dr Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial heard yesterday.
Dr Robert Waldman, a drug addiction specialist, testified in the Los Angeles court yesterday but he could not state unequivocally if he believed that Jackson had been addicted to the painkiller.
Dr Murray's defence team have claimed that the 'Thriller' singer had been addiction to a number of drugs and that he had to go "doctor shopping" to meet his needs.
The singer's physician has already admitted administering daily doses of the anaesthetic propofol to ease Jackson's insomnia, bu the denies giving him the fatal dose in June 2009.
Dr Waldman told the court: "I believe there is evidence that he was dependent on Demerol."
He also added that Jackson could have "possibly" been addicted to the painkiller. But during the cross examination, Dr Waldman could not say that without doubt the singer had been addicted.
Dependence on a drug is determined by a physical need for it, while an addiction is characterized by someone who continues with destructive behaviour and continues to use the substance even though it could lead to a bad outcome, the doctor said.
Prosector David Walgren asked: "Would you diagnose Michael Jackson as addicted to demerol based strictly on these documents in my hand, yes or no?"
To which Dr Waldman responded: "Probably not."
Dr Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and could face up to four years in prison if found guilty.
The trial continues.
Pictures from court yesterday...
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