Ep 1. Addicted to Painkillers? Britain's Opioid Crisis

Horizon is a widely acclaimed British television series that focuses on the latest developments in science and technology. The show covers a diverse range of subjects from cosmology and particle physics to medical breakthroughs and climate change. In the first episode of Horizon season 2020, titled "Addicted to Painkillers? Britain's Opioid Crisis," the show explores the raging problem of opioid addiction in the UK.

The episode begins by examining the opioid epidemic in North America and its devastating effects on individuals, families, and entire communities. It then moves on to the UK, where the number of people dying from opioid overdoses has been rising steadily over the past decade. The program investigates why the UK has not experienced the same level of opioid-related morbidity and mortality as the US and whether the country is at risk of a similar crisis.

The episode profiles several individuals who have fallen prey to opioid addiction after being legally prescribed painkillers for various medical reasons. They share their harrowing experiences of how opioid dependence has ruined their lives, relationships, and careers. The show's producers interweave their stories with expert opinions from leading healthcare professionals, addiction specialists, and policymakers.

The program delves into the factors that have contributed to the opioid epidemic in the UK, such as the aggressive marketing of painkillers by pharmaceutical companies, doctors' over-reliance on opioids for pain management, and the lack of awareness and education among patients about the risks and side effects of these medications. The episode examines the role of the National Health Service (NHS) in tackling the opioid crisis and the challenges it faces in providing effective treatment and support to those suffering from addiction.

The episode also explores alternative pain management therapies and interventions that could potentially reduce the reliance on opioids, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and acupuncture. Experts discuss the need for a more coordinated and integrated approach to pain management, which involves multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, psychologists, physiotherapists, and social workers.

Overall, "Addicted to Painkillers? Britain's Opioid Crisis" is a sobering and insightful look at the growing problem of opioid addiction in the UK. The episode raises important questions about the role of healthcare providers, the pharmaceutical industry, and society in addressing this pressing public health issue. The show's human-centered approach, coupled with its rigorous scientific analysis, makes it a compelling and informative piece of television that offers hope to those who may be struggling with opioid addiction or chronic pain.