Stephen King Recalls One Of The Worst Moments Of His Life While Watching THIS Netflix Series

Stephen King, the renowned master of the macabre, recently took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Netflix’s six-episode miniseries, Painkiller. This gripping series delves into the dark secrets of Purdue Pharma, the notorious manufacturer of OxyContin, and its pivotal role in sparking the opioid crisis. What makes this revelation even more intriguing is that King himself found himself ensnared in the treacherous web of OxyContin following a catastrophic car accident in 1999.

In a heartfelt tweet, King expressed his admiration for Painkiller, despite the mixed reviews it received on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting a 49 percent critical approval rating and a 62 percent audience score. He made a poignant connection between the series and his own harrowing encounter with OxyContin, stating, “I loved it,” underlining his deep emotional bond with the narrative.

Stephen King’s Personal Connection

Stephen King’s tweet provides a unique glimpse into the intersection of fiction and reality, where the horror maestro draws parallels between his own life experiences and the chilling true story of Painkiller. While King did not delve into a detailed account of his OxyContin journey, his brief comment resonates profoundly with the broader narrative portrayed in the series.

Painkiller, despite its divisive reviews, serves as a potent exposé of the opioid crisis, with a spotlight on Purdue Pharma’s role as a central figure in this tragedy. Purdue Pharma marketed OxyContin as a groundbreaking, safe painkiller with minimal repercussions, but beneath this facade lay a highly addictive drug that would go on to shatter countless lives. King’s own story mirrors that of countless individuals who sought relief from pain but found themselves ensnared by this perilous substance.

In 1999, while taking a leisurely walk in Maine, King was struck by a minivan in an accident that nearly claimed his life. The injuries he endured were extensive, including a broken leg and hip, a collapsed lung, and significant scalp injuries. In fact, his leg’s condition was so dire that doctors contemplated amputation before deciding to allow it time to heal. During the grueling recovery process, King found himself relying on OxyContin, a decision influenced by medical recommendations.

While King alludes to using “a lot” of OxyContin in the late 1990s following the car accident, it’s essential to note that this period was not the first time he faced substance-related challenges. In 1987, King’s wife, Tabitha, staged an intervention due to his use of multiple substances, including cocaine, Xanax, Valium, NyQuil, beer, tobacco, and cannabis, marking the beginning of his journey to sobriety.

A Broader Context

To understand King’s experiences fully, we must place them within the broader narrative of

Credits: Rolling Stone

OxyContin’s history. At the time of King’s accident, Purdue Pharma was actively marketing OxyContin as a relatively safe painkiller with minimal addiction risk. This deceptive marketing contributed to the widespread use of the drug, which subsequently led to the opioid epidemic. King’s story epitomizes the countless individuals who innocently sought relief from pain, only to find themselves ensnared by a substance they believed to be safe.

Moreover, King has previously spoken out about individuals like Rudy Giuliani and their role in the rise of OxyContin and the opioid epidemic. King’s criticisms have been aimed at Giuliani, attributing some blame to him for the OxyContin catastrophe. Giuliani’s involvement with Purdue Pharma during a federal investigation added another layer of complexity to the crisis. Although he couldn’t prevent a criminal conviction, Giuliani managed to secure an agreement that curbed future prosecution of the pharmaceutical company. This development, combined with his consulting firm’s representation of Purdue Pharma, played a part in perpetuating the opioid crisis, which has claimed over 190,000 lives through overdoses of OxyContin and similar painkillers since 1999.

Painkiller: A Real-Life Nightmare

Painkiller, a dark sibling to Hulu’s Emmy-winning Dopesick, weaves a tale dripping with emotion, exposing the puppeteers behind the opioid crisis. While the show is fictionalized to some extent, King’s endorsement carries immense weight due to its foundation in the real experiences he had with this deadly drug.

Though Painkiller may not have garnered the highest critical acclaim, it serves as a poignant reminder of the desperation that pervaded both the perpetrators and the victims of the opioid crisis. It vividly illustrates how the rapid rise of OxyContin transformed into an epidemic affecting individuals from all walks of life.

In the end, Stephen King, a master of tales of terror, has given his seal of approval to this real-life nightmare on Netflix. His endorsement serves as a testament to the series’ ability to touch the hearts of those who have experienced the devastating effects of OxyContin firsthand.

Final Thoughts

Stephen King’s open acknowledgment of his connection to OxyContin addiction and his praise for Netflix’s Painkiller highlight the profound impact of the opioid crisis on individuals from all walks of life. Painkiller, despite its mixed reviews, provides a stark portrayal of Purdue Pharma’s role in this tragedy. King’s endorsement lends credibility to the series, emphasizing its ability to resonate with those who have faced the grim reality of OxyContin addiction.

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