BRITAIN'S DEADLIEST ADDICTIONS

PROGRAMME 1: DAY 1 AT THE CLINIC

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00.00 – 01.22

Introduction to the series, outlining the background to the three patients. We learn that they will spend five days in a treatment centre.

01.23 – 02.05

We meet Tony in more depth. Tony is 42 and a chronic alcoholic. In a normal week he consumes 200 units of alcohol. He has been a heavy drinker for 18 years and wants to give it up. He is married with two grown-up children.

02.06 – 03.10

We meet Sandie in more depth. Sandie is 59 and has spent most of her adult life on tranquilisers prescribed by her doctor to help her anxiety and panic attacks. She is married.

03.11 – 04.10

We meet Vanessa in more depth. She is addicted to crack cocaine and can use up to £400 worth in one evening. She wants to change her life, have a family and go to university and knows she has to get clean to do so. She has not taken any crack cocaine for a few days. Her boyfriend is also a heavy drug-user.

04.11 – 07.39

The clinic where the three patients will spend five days is shown. This is a purpose-built centre for addicts, which has treated over 5,000 people. It is fully staffed with trained and specialist doctors, nurses and other experts. Each of the patients will have their own room. They will be mentored by a specialist who will coordinate a programme of treatment tailored to their needs.

Tony goes to the clinic. He is weighed and found to be significantly underweight and malnourished.

07.40 – 08.56

Vanessa arrives at the clinic. We find out that crack cocaine use has increased significantly and that in 2003 there were 113 deaths connected to its use.

08.57 – 12.50

Sandie settles into the clinic. We discover that, in the UK, there are over a million long-term users of the drug she takes –Benzodiazepine.

12.51 – 18.19

The presenter visits the three patients to find out how their first day has been.

18.20 – 21.39

In a TV studio, Tony's wife and his psychiatrist are interviewed about Tony's addiction to alcohol. We find out how much he drinks compared to acceptable, safe limits, and the effects of his drinking.

21.40 – 23.09

Back at the clinic, Vanessa and Tony talk together about their addictions.

23.10 – end

End of Day 1 and a brief preview of the next programme.