Drugs Map of Britain
A landmark series exploring the drugs of choice in different parts of the UK. From Mamba in Wolverhampton to Heroin in Manchester, this series lifts the lid on the narcotic landscape of Britain today.
- 2016-2024
- 3 seasons
- Documentary
A landmark series exploring the drugs of choice in different parts of the UK. From Mamba in Wolverhampton to Heroin in Manchester, this series lifts the lid on the narcotic landscape of Britain today.
Season 1 Episode Guide
9 Episodes 2016 - 2017
Episode 1
Wolverhampton: Getting Off Mamba
In the first of our landmark new series looking at drug use across Britain, we explore a legal high epidemic in Wolverhampton. Following 27-year-old Liam over three months in his battle to quit the synthetic cannabis black mamba. Legal highs have now been outlawed by the British government. The ban comes as a response to the increasing use of synthetic drugs across the streets of Britain.
Episode 2
Manchester: Heroin Haters
In the second episode of Drugs Map of Britain, we meet a group of men who use violence to deal with, what they say, is the growing heroin problem in their area. Every week, they collect discarded needles and believe those responsible must be punished. But how do they justify their actions and why do heroin addicts, in particular, face so much prejudice and stigma?
Episode 3
Scotland's Valium Crisis
In this episode of Drugs Map of Britain, we investigate Valium addiction in Scotland, where three-quarters of drug-related deaths involve this type of drug. Millions of the pills - both real and counterfeit - are available to buy on the streets for as little as 20p each. We meet those buying them and witness the devastating effects of addiction for someone like Levi, who's been taking Valium since he was 13.
Episode 4
Dying for Weed
In the fourth episode of Drugs Map of Britain, we go on a road trip around the country to meet seriously ill people who believe cannabis is helping them. While it is seen as having no therapeutic value in the UK, in half of the USA's 50 states it has been legalised for medicinal use. Andy, Phil and others all believe that cannabis can - if not cure their condition - give them much-needed pain relief. The programme also meets Jeff, a cannabis campaigner distributing cannabis oil to the sick for free. But by resorting to this illegal and unregulated drug, what risks are they all taking?
Episode 5
Swansea: Injecting Gone Wrong
Series looking at drug use across Britain. In the fifth episode of Drugs Map of Britain, we take a look at injecting-related injuries, including abscesses, open wounds and amputations.
Episode 6
Newcastle: Super-strength Ecstasy
In the sixth episode of Drugs Map of Britain, we meet students born in the 90s who call themselves The Children of Ecstasy. Once associated with rave culture, students like Marc are now using ecstasy and MDMA to help them socialise, and open up to their friends. But, with the pills and crystal stronger than ever, what risks are they taking in search of a great night out?
Episode 7
Alcohol: Britain's Most Harmful Drug
London's intake of this country's most harmful drug is boosted in December when British people drink 41% more alcohol than other months of the year. We follow Garry, whose future depends on kicking his alcohol addiction, and 25 year-old Nathaniel, who delivers alcohol after hours to some of London's richest residents, and discover how young, drunk revellers are comforted by OAPs like 71 year old Katie.
Episode 8
Belfast Buds
In the eighth episode of Drugs Map of Britain, director Adam Patterson follows the lives of young people in Northern Ireland who are abusing prescription medication.
Episode 9
Fentanyl: Deadlier Than Heroin
Fentanyl is on the rise in the UK, this episode of Drugs Map of Britain explores the effect this drug has in Hull. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and is the drug linked to the death of rock star Prince, but what's the reality for those addicted? It's reported that Fentanyl has claimed the lives of at least 60 people in eight months. Primarily used as a pain reliever, the programme looks at those whose life it has taken control of, seeing the effects it has on users and what they will risk in order to get a hit, as well as what the authorities are doing to try and stop the circulation of the lethal drug.