BRITAIN'S DEADLIEST ADDICTIONS

PROGRAMME 4: DAY 4 AT THE CLINIC

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

If students have seen the whole of Programme 1, they will be able to carry out the following activities using just the clips provided below. However, if they have not seen Programme 1, then it is suggested that students watch at least the opening introduction to this programme to give them an adequate summary of the background so far.

Download activity sheet for Programme 4 [Word doc, 51KB]

Before viewing (but assuming familiarity with earlier programmes in the series)

Discussion questions for small groups or pairs (included in the downloadable activity sheet):

• What goals (short- and long-term) could each patient set themselves for the future that would motivate them to overcome their addiction?
• Who seems to be making the best progress so far at the clinic? Explain.
• Who would you be most worried about for the future?

After/during viewing

Some or all of the following activities relate to specific clips from the programme. We regret that we cannot make these clips available on the website. Teachers and other users can access the programmes free of charge from the Channel 4 video on demand service, 4oD (PC only), or the programmes may be taped off air for use in the classroom (see TV listings for the current term's schedule). Please note that the clip times will vary on different viewing platforms and devices.

Activities linked to clips

Get me out of here!
Clip 1: 03.15 – 08.15

• Opens with Kishnan saying, 'It's the early hours of Day 4…'
• Closes with Dr Labinjo saying, 'How can I thank you? It's a privilege for me. Yes.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Discussion questions repeated below:

• Why do you think Sandie had a panic attack, having done so well so far?
• How do the nursing staff cope with her when she wants to leave?
• What does the psychiatrist do to reassure her and get her back on track?
• How does she feel after talking with the psychiatrist?

A loving family
Clip 2: 09.30 – 16.00

• Opens with Krishnan saying, 'Last year, over 50,000 hospital admissions were alcohol-related.'
• Closes with Tony saying, 'I have just got one goal ahead of me now, and that's to stay off the drink.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Discussion questions repeated below:

• Were you surprised that Tony's liver is not too badly damaged?
• What are Tony's wife and children's thoughts about his progress?
• Why was it a good idea for Tony to see his granddaughter?
• How important do you feel it will be for Tony to have the support of his family? How will having his family around make it more likely that he will succeed in staying off alcohol?
• What about his wife? She has been very loyal – what support could she have to help her cope?

Mum's the word, Vanessa
Clip 3: 17.06 – 22.22

• Opens with Krishnan saying, '31-year-old crack addict Vanessa…'
• Closes with Vanessa saying, 'I don't know why I cry. I've cried for a long time.'

Discuss the following (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in a group:

• Why is Vanessa at a disadvantage compared to Sandie and Tony?
• What effect is her relationship with her mother having on her?
• What does the psychiatrist say to her?
• Brainstorm what positive steps Vanessa could take to avoid the temptations of drugs in the future.