We can prevent more people from becoming more addicted - that's number one - with prescribing laws and making sure that people can't get too many of these opioids when they are initially prescribed them. Number two is, we have to make sure the millions of people who are already addicted have access to good and effective treatment. Finally, it's critical that we remove stigma and that's why we've made a film, to show that this can happen to anyone.

We can prevent more people from becoming more addicted - that's number one - with prescribing laws and making sure that people can't get too many of these opioids when they are initially prescribed them. Number two is, we have to make sure the millions of people who are already addicted have access to good and effective treatment. Finally, it's critical that we remove stigma and that's why we've made a film, to show that this can happen to anyone.

We must do something to let people in this country know that addiction is something that can be treated and this epidemic of prescribed opioids is something that we can fix.

Addiction is a brain disease - this isn't a moral failing - and we have got to stop looking at it that way.

I want to make it clear, though, that I am not trying to say these are bad drugs. Opioid medications in the short term for severe pain are very effective. The problem is when they are used for long-term chronic pain. No one wants anyone to suffer and be in pain. But realize how addictive these drugs are and get off of them as quickly as you can. So 'Warning: This Drug May Kill You' is really more about educating people about these drugs so that everyone can make their own decision about their pain versus the addictive nature of these drugs.

Life expectancy for middle-aged white women has dropped dramatically over the past decade. Researchers didn't understand what was going on and so they were studying it and then very recently they realized it is driven by opioids. Why is that? They say now that it is because women are more likely to see a doctor for pain.

I hope 'Warning: This Drug May Kill You' documentary helps to show the humanity of the people who are struggling with the brain disease of addiction because that is what this is - this isn't about bad people, this is about good people who became addiction oftentimes in the process of being prescribed medication for pain.