Stephen King Reveals Haunting Details of Life-Altering 1999 Accident, Calls Netflix's New Show an Unforgettable Masterpiece

This article contains discussions about substance abuse.

Summary

Renowned author Stephen King commends Netflix's Painkiller, a captivating series that explores the involvement of Purdue Pharma in the opioid crisis. King's firsthand encounter with OxyContin following his 1999 car accident brings a unique and personal viewpoint to the show.

Renowned author Stephen King is commending the Netflix series Painkiller for shedding light on the dangers of OxyContin and sharing the personal experiences of himself and others who have been affected by its addictive nature. The show, consisting of six episodes, centers around Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, and presents a comprehensive analysis of the company's impact and contribution to the opioid crisis. Having faced his own encounter with OxyContin following a car accident in 1999, King joins the conversation surrounding the world's perception of Purdue Pharma as a major drug distributor.

King shared a post on Twitter discussing his personal connection to the show and how it relates to his experiences with OxyContin and his relationship with Purdue Pharma and Painkiller. Take a look at his post below:

Although the author doesn't provide extensive details about his encounter with OxyContin, he establishes a link between the show's narrative and his own life, particularly referring to his accident in 1999. He expresses admiration for the show, stating, "I thoroughly enjoyed it," mainly due to its relatability to his own experiences.

Why Painkiller's Depiction Of The Opioid Crisis Is Important

While Glen Kryger is a fictional character in Painkiller, many of the stories in the Netflix drama are based on true events. One such event serves as a vivid reminder of the accident that changed King's life on June 19, 1999. While taking a walk in Maine, King was struck by a minivan, leading to severe injuries including a broken leg and hip, a collapsed lung, and significant damage to his scalp. Doctors considered amputating King's leg but decided to allow it time to heal. Despite his recovery, medical professionals did recommend that he use Oxycontin.

Although Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of Oxycontin, faced multiple lawsuits and ceased promoting the drug directly to doctors, it is still prescribed today. This painkiller, once marketed as safe with minimal side effects, revealed its addictive properties over time. King's experience is just one of many stories where Oxycontin has had devastating and sometimes fatal effects on individuals seeking relief from pain.

Hulu's Dopesick and Netflix's Painkiller both portray the devastating effects of the opioid crisis and the actions of those working behind the scenes. The Sackler family, who held control over Purdue Pharma, is depicted in the show, although the events are fictionalized. Stephen King's high praise for the show is particularly significant as it stems from his personal encounters with a lethal drug.