Do you think that, maybe, his 'pain' issue could be a smokecreen, for his drug use?
There are some people who actually think he could be exagerating his symptoms, or worse. We all know that druggies will do anything to hide the truth. We also know that many an 'addict' has had a 'damascus road experience', when the realization comes, that they have been caught!
I am misfortunate enough to have contracted lyme disease, while living in the mountains, near Paris, VA.. It has aggravating symptoms, and sometimes can be fatal. I guess that I can use that as my excuse to use drugs.
But, like Rush, I used them recreationally. He said the same thing. Mine was hemp. His is/was oxy. The illegal use is the same.
Pain management, is a specialty. I know some good doctors, and have never gotten any illegal drugs from them. Rush visited a variety of doctors. We know of four, so far. Rush got some legal drugs, but apparently didn't always get them from the pharmacy. That is why he was being blackmailed! That is what the thread is about!