Dr. Phil Astin, 52, is facing a total of 175 charges linked to the distribution of prescription drugs to more than 17 patients. Astin was doctor to pro wrestler Chris Benoit. Last year, Benoit killed his wife and child and then took his own life - a tragedy that shocked those who knew the wrestler.

Although no one really knows what caused Benoit to kill his family and commit suicide, there are those who theorize that his brain was addled by the bevy of prescription drugs he was taking. Astin has been accused of prescribing anabolic steroids to the wrestler.

Prior to these most recent charges, Astin had already been indicted a year ago on seven counts of over-prescribing to two different people.

Clearly, there is no shortage of doctors who are willing to bend the law and prescribe drugs to patients who want them. My guess is that for many doctors, it simply boils down to finances - if you’ve got the cash to pay, then the medicine cabinet is at your disposal. And of course, that is why celebrities have easy access to prescription meds. But I always wonder, how does one go about asking their doctor for these drugs? Do you just waltz in on the first appointment and say, “Hey doc, I’m dying for some Vicodin, can you hook me up?” And what is the motivation for doctors that aren’t getting paid to write prescriptions? Do they just want to shut patients up, take their consultation appointment fee, and get them out of their office?