Tell NBC and This is Us Writers: Stop Hurting Chronic Pain Patients!

Recently the hit TV show This is Us embarked on a storyline surrounding Kevin's (Justin Hartley) use of opioid painkillers following surgery. Kevin continues to pursue prescription refills beyond what he has been allowed, and he is shown heavily drinking alcohol alongside the pills he takes.

Yes, the United States has declared an opioid crisis. However, with every depiction like this one, we are hurting legitimate pain patients - some 100 million Americans and the vast majority of individuals using prescription opioids. These patients are now being shamed and stigmatized by much of society simply because they need some help functioning. Most people do not become addicted to painkillers; they do not seek more than they absolutely need, and they certainly do not abuse alcohol while doing so.

Please issue an apology to the chronic pain community and seek to portray an example of normal painkiller usage on the show.