Synopsis:

A series of three films following the everyday lives of people coping with the effects of alcohol and illicit drugs, from an up close and personal perspective. The series provides a realistic insight into the nature of drugs and their use, the associated risks, and the impact on individuals, families and communities dealing with the issues.

Programme 1 : Damage Limitation

This programme explores the day-to-day lives of injecting heroin addicts and those who try to help them.

Teachers and lecturers should familiarise themselves with guidelines that apply when working in drug education and be familiar with policies in their institutions relating to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

00.00 – 01.14
Nature of dependence: alcohol, tobacco, heroin, crack. City drug problems.

01.15 – 07.27
Vicky, project worker, sees worst end of drug use: loss of families, jobs, health, hope. Glynn 32, first hit with heroin amazing. Scott 29, moved to heroin from other drugs. Project services: health checks, training, safe needle disposal and advice to reduce risks to users, others, community and environment.

07.28 – 10.56
Scott beaten up. Sees heroin as worst drug. Affected by brother’s death. Describes cycle of addiction.

10.57 – 14.55
Glynn has lost confidence. Isolated. Attends ‘injecting safely’ training course.

14.56 – 17.18
Glynn good at school, fit, a trained chef. Saw drugs as sport. Father committed suicide.

17.19 – 19.09
To Scott, heroin most important thing in life.

19.10 – 22.34
Vicky visits Glynn. Can’t remember row with neighbour, not managing syringes. Addicts are a marginalised group not capable of looking after each other.

22.35 – 24.00
Scott blames no one but himself but can’t see a way out.