BRITAIN'S DEADLIEST ADDICTIONS

BACKGROUND

Addiction is a growing problem in the UK, affecting people of all ages and racial groups. If you think of a drug addict you probably imagine someone injecting themselves with heroine, but just as common are those who are addicted to legal substances, such as pills prescribed by their doctor. And it's not just about drugs and alcohol either. People can become addicted to almost anything that allows them to escape from the realities of their lives. Approximately 9.7% of the UK population are dependant on alcohol, but other sources of addiction include tobacco, sex, shopping, gambling, food, exercise and using the internet.

The series features:

• Tony, an alcoholic
• Vanessa, addicted to crack cocaine
• Sandie, addicted to prescription drugs for anxiety and panic attacks,

and

• Krishnan Guru-Murthy, series presenter
• Dr Gareth Vincenti, consultant psychiatrist overseeing Tony's treatment
• Dr Francis Labinjo, consultant psychiatrist overseeing the treatment of Vanessa and Sandie.