Is anyone interested in discussing the Netflix Series called "Painkiller"? (Painkiller: An empire of deceit and the origin of America's opiate epidemic). Overall this series was about the extreme marketing strategies of OxyContin in the US which was manipulative and extremely irresponsible.
I'm happy to facilitate a discussion - either about the series overall - or by watching and chatting about one episode at a time.
I've watched the series once, and will watch again. The series raised some issues for me - either because it covered these issues, confused the discussion around these issues, or completely skipped over them.
The major issue for me around opiate pain medication continues to be: How can the system block people from accessing opiates due to a fear of giving meds to people seeking to abuse drugs, while at the same time respectfully meet the needs of patients requiring opiate medication long-term to treat chronic pain?
It always seems to come down to whether the medication is prescribed for a "legitimate" medical reason, or not. This series did a good job of exploring one person's journey from legitimate use of opiates to overuse / addiction, and this was also described by family members at the start of each episode.
Overall this series was about the extreme marketing strategies of OxyContin in the US which was manipulative and extremely irresponsible
- Marketing of medications directly to doctors.
- The difference between being addicted and the body developing a tolerance.
- Knowing you will need to take pain medication long-term
- The impact of pain on a person's social, psychological and occupational functioning.
- How pain impacts on intimate relationships and family units
- Lack of community understanding about what extreme pain feels like; the perception that those who have chronic pain are weak, lazy or wanting to avoid life. Lack of awareness that these attitudes add significant distress and grief to those struggling with pain.
- What is understood by doctors to be legitimate behaviour regarding medication for someone whose life is impacted in every way by pain?
- pain relief vs "drug-seeking" vs wanting to get high/escape from everyday life
These are just thought-starters written a day after I finished watching the series. Respond below if you're interested in having some type of discussion and we can take it from there.
Mods feel free to jump in.
Bron 🙂
Hi Bronfoth,
sorry for not getting back to you sooner but I have been watching the series WOW just makes you realize that in the US oxycontin is a terrible problem especially with the pressure by medical salespeople put onto GPs .
I wanted to watch it to see for myself what the whole sales pitch was about , I’m glad I did as it has opened up my eyes to the ethics our Doctors here stick to and are cautious with the dosage.
I noted the dosage started at 20mg , 40mg , 60mg , 80mg and maybe more it’s no wonder it’s a problem over there, I have oxycontin 5mg and I was able to stop taking it when I had less pain without withdrawal symptoms.
I maintain that any medication is necessary to keep pain and suffering at bay but you do need to ensure that you have at least 2 people who keep a check on you (GP , Pharmacist & or a Pain Physician) I have all three and I have a balanced medication base .
johnno
as long as I wake up alive I'm happy Because it could be worse
Is anyone interested in discussing the Netflix Series called "Painkiller"? (Painkiller: An empire of deceit and the origin of America's opiate epidemic). Overall this series was about the extreme marketing strategies of OxyContin in the US which was manipulative and extremely irresponsible.
I'm happy to facilitate a discussion - either about the series overall - or by watching and chatting about one episode at a time.
Hi. I haven't seen the series. But you intrigued me. What's your favourite episode?
I think I'll find it and watch it, too.
I haven't been on this forum in a while. Thought I'd pay a visit 🙂
Gday Shawn,
have you watched it yet .
johnno
as long as I wake up alive I'm happy Because it could be worse
