BRITAIN'S DEADLIEST ADDICTIONS

PROGRAMME 5: THE LAST DAY AT THE CLINIC

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

The whole of this programme could be shown if there is time, perhaps missing out the recap at the beginning (up to 02.50). If only certain clips are used, make sure the students see the writing on the screen at the end (22.55 onwards), which tells us what the three people have done in the few months since leaving the clinic.

Download activity sheet for Programme 5 [Word doc, 53KB]

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

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

• How well do you think each of the three patients will have got on since leaving the clinic?
• Who has the best chance of staying off drugs and alcohol?
• Who has the most difficult task ahead of her/him?

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

Don't touch another drop
Clip 1: 02.50 – 08.02

• Opens with Krishnan saying, 'It's the morning of our final day of treatment.'
• Closes with Dr Vincenti saying, '…so that you've got someone you can turn to, to give you an additional bit of help – alright?'

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

• How does Tony's family describe the effects of drinking, in particular on behaviour, appearance and work/money? What other effects do they mention? Add your own ideas.
• Why is it important that he eats well?
• What do the staff suggest for Tony to do next?
• When will we know that he is really going to give up drinking for good?

Darren – an ex-addict
Clip2 : 10.10 – 12.03

• Opens with Krishnan saying, 'In 2006, Channel 4 made a programme about three heroin addicts going through a detox treatment.'
• Closes with Darren saying, ' You'll know who your friends are.'

and
Clip 3: 13.58 – 15.11

• Opens with Krishnan saying, 'Vanessa hadn't touched crack for six days when she entered the clinic.'
• Closes with Dr Labinjo saying, ' … someone who is highly motivated.'

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

• What does Darren mean when he describes not being on drugs as 'freedom'?
• Why is it useful for Vanessa to talk to Darren?
• What tips and advice do Darren and Dr Labinjo give her? Make a list and then put them in order of importance to her future success.

The final word
Clip 4: 22.55 – end

• Black background with white rolling captions.

Read what happened to the three people in the months following their stay at the clinic, and then complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet). Questions repeated below:

• Is this what you expected at the beginning of their stay?
• At the beginning, who was in the worst condition physically?
• Who still needs ongoing support to come off drugs? How likely is it that he or she will succeed?
• In your opinion, what are the three most important things all three needed to overcome their addiction?