Constant craving.

The programme examines drug, nicotine and alcohol addiction and surveys research aimed at producing vaccines against these forms of addiction. The action of cocaine on the brain is demonstrated by brainscans. The importance of dopamine to the brain is a crucial factor in addiction; lack of it can prompt dependence on substances which in themselves damage the brain's ability to produce dopamine. Mental and genetic factors in addiction are also considered. A drug to help smokers give up the habit acts by boosting dopamine in the brain and an implant to block the effects of heroin on the brain helps some addicts, although withdrawal must be endured before the implant can be given. The chemical action of this medicinal drug, Naltroxon, is explained. In theory, vaccines could be created for most addictions but the question arises as to whether prevention would be better than treatment; if, for instance, a vaccine against nicotine were produced, should it be given to people at birth or would this raise questions of civil rights?

"Exploring the science behind addiction in its many guises, from dependence on legal drugs - including nicotine and alcohol - to being hooked on cocaine and heroin. This film also examines sophisticated treatments designed to control or possibly cure addiction forever."--Radio Times.

[Place of publication not identified] : BBC TV, 2000.

1 videocassette (VHS) (41 min. 40 sec.) : sound, colour, PAL ; 1/2 in.

Copy 2. This item was donated as part of the DrugScope archive held by Wellcome Collection, reference SA/DRS https://wellcomecollection.org/works/psspw62x

Kick the habit : smokers' stories. (b33644433)

00:41:40

Title from opening credits.

"A BBC Discovery Health Channel Co-Production"--From end credits.

Copy 2. Recorded from the programme aired on BBC Two England at 21:30 on 30 March 2000.

Copy 2. Recorded on a single VHS with another BBC programme called Kick the Habit : Smokers' Stories.

Director and producer, Andrew Thompson ; executive producer, Phil Tolling.

Narrator, Bill Patterson.

BBC, 2000.