We’ve all heard about the US opioid epidemic and its deadly impact on America. But could the prescription painkiller catastrophe be coming to the UK? Dr Michael Mosley is on the case, exploring how Britain became Europe’s number one user of opioids, and meeting the people who claim they were only taking the pills their doctor prescribed. Few of these chronic pain sufferers seemed aware of the risks. Now they are trying to come off the drug and find new ways to manage their pain. Dr Mosley investigates what’s behind the escalation and reveals the shocking truth about the efficacy of prescribed painkillers.
Michael Mosley: Addicted To Painkillers? was broadcast on SBS ONE at Monday 30 March 2020, 10:30.