The Case of Elvis Presley

1. The Case of Elvis Presley Polysubstance Dependence- the use of at least three different substances for at least six months, with no substance predominating.

2. Born: Jan. 8, 1935 • Twin still-born 35 minutes before Elvis • Family was extremely poor and moved often

3. When age 4, father spent three years in prison • Mother known to be excessively protective of her only child • Mom was very tense and nervous • Often took medicine for her “bad nerves” • Reasonable happy childhood • Moved to Memphis, moving into public housing in 1949

4. From 1956-1958 his stardom reached unbelievable heights, selling over 142 gold records worldwide

5. Drafted into the U.S. army in 1958 • Mom refused to speak with him –left alone for first time • Mom’s health began to deteriorate, in constant state of depression and fits of anger

6. While Elvis was in the army mom began drinking heavily and was eventually diagnosed with hepatitis • Mom dies August 1958 • Devastated by the news Elvis begins a period of isolation

7. At age 33, marries Priscilla • Lisa Marie is born 9 months later • Has first #1 hit in seven years (Suspicious Minds, 1969) • Emotionally drained and destructive living habits

8. Began promiscuous behavior • Out of sync sleeping schedule • Poor eating habits • Increasing dependence and abuse of prescription drugs

9. From the time Priscilla sued for divorce in 1973 until his death, Elvis’s weight and drug used increased markedly • Experienced numerous physical disorders • Heavily sedated for several days after discovering Priscilla was involved with someone else

10. By 1974 often spent days at a time in his room at Graceland • Began wild spending sprees • Often seemed confused and sweated profusely • Giggle fits on stage • Increasing drug use

11. In the 32 months prior to his death, his physician allegedly prescribed 19,000 prescriptions (claimed many were placebos) • His pastime toward the end was studying medical and prescription books

12. Bio-Science laboratories stated Presley died of polypharmacy with the following substances in his body tissues: • codeine 5. Demerol • Steroids/ACTH 6. Amobarbital • Valium 7. Phenobarbital • Ethchlorvynol 8. Methaqualone – very high