House

[Guest guest]

Moderator's note:

I have never heard of this program, but the best thing to do when a program is

upsetting is to turn the channel. You could also write to the network, and tell

them your feelings.

Kaylene

Does anyone else on the list watch the TV show " House " ? In case you haven't seen

it, the main character is a doctor who has chronic pain and pops vicodins by the

fistful. After being rude to a policeman who came into the hospital clinic, the

doctor is being dogged by the cop as a drug addict. Turns out House was a

hoarder--the cops found literally bags and bags of vicodin in his apartment. And

House had also forged prescriptions for painkillers, using his best friend's

prescription pad.

I'm finding this story line very upsetting. Clearly, the character needs

medication for pain control. But because he's obtaining these meds illegally and

hoarding them, he's being presented as an addict. And not just an addict--one

who is willing to jeopardize the career of his best friend.

The " average " viewer is likely to come away from watching the show thinking

that most, if not all, chronic pain patients are like House. I'm real unhappy

about this message. Plus, in the previews for the next episode, we see House

being ordered into rehab by the hospital administrator. Rehab for someone who

needs pain management?

I love this show, but I'm quite upset about this story line. Do others on this

list feel the same way, and if so, is there anything we can do about it?

Hugs,

a

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