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 2: Emergency Action

This programme follows hospital staff as they deal with a variety of alcohol and drug-related emergencies.

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 – 01.09
Illicit drugs and alcohol in the UK. Use; trends; availability; costs.

01.10 – 07.31
A & E ward. Grant overdosed on heroin. Given antidote to help breathing. John 16, distressed. Heavy cannabis user. Tried ecstasy week before. Now experiencing paranoia. Ben, heroin addict, has badly swollen arm. Heroin antidote causes cold turkey. John discharged.

07.32 – 11.29
Ben has life-threatening infection. He needs to be stabilised with methadone. GP’s notes essential to check dosage. Ben just wants to go, get sorted, and return. Doctor worries he won’t.

11.30 – 16.26
Grant discharges himself in the morning. Costs of illicit drug use, alcohol misuse, and violence to NHS and society. Junior 19, critical condition, substance unknown. Ben returns. Regrets lifestyle. Junior’s condition caused by alcohol. Parents don't approve of alcohol.

16.27 – 24.00
Michael, recovering alcoholic, suffers DTs through bingeing. Ben’s GP confirms methadone dose. Two girls take unknown substance, ecstasy? One is ill. Later discharges herself. Doctor worries she might have a fit. Michael calmed, discharges himself. Ben leaves. Doctor stresses importance of communication.