Demerol – a powerful narcotic, and part of the loosely-managed drug regimen leading up to Michael Jackson’s Death.

The question is – did abuse of this drug stoke a cycle of addiction that ended with fatal levels of the surgical anesthetic propofol? And more importantly – were MJ’s doctors to blame for this haphazard use of pharmaceuticals?

According to Dr. Drew, the answer to both questions is a resounding ‘Yes.’

Calling into his own show (guest-hosted by In Session’s Ryan Smith) Drew lays down a passionate, razor-sharp condemnation of the use of Demoral on Michael Jackson for cosmetic procedures. He explains that it sparked a cycle of dependency and suppression of withdrawal symptoms with cross-tolerant drugs, including propofol.

Even more egregious according to Dr. Drew: providing Demoral to a self-described addict – Jackson admitted in 1993 to opiate addiction.

After Dr. Drew’s explanation, a fiery debate ensues with the lawyer for MJ dermatologist Arnie Klein. Attorney Gara Ghazarian argues that Jackson was in fact not addicted to Demerol, as evidenced by the long gaps in his use of the drug.

Dr. Drew responds that during those days of abstinence, Jackson was suppressing withdrawal using other drugs, hence the snowballing of pharmaceutical substance abuse, culminating in the death of the pop legend.