Ross Kemp's four-part documentary series Living With is exploring the dark (but not all that uncommon) world of painkiller addiction next week.
In the fourth instalment of the series, Ross looks into opioids - opium-derived drugs often used in strong GP-prescribed painkillers.
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Filmed before and during lockdown, Ross travels to Bradford in West Yorkshire to meet Sherry Flatt, who explained how a routine trip to the doctors with pack pain 20 years ago became a serious morphine addiction.
Ross learns that, like Sherry, as estimated 500,000 people in Britain are addicted to prescription opioids. He visits a specialist service for those with pain killer addictions, speaking to patients to learn the depths of their dependancy.
The presenter also explores the availability and effects of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller used in cancer treatment that is 50 stronger than heroin in certain quantities.
More shockingly, it's advertised for sale online illegally in the UK.
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To explore the impacts of heroin laced with the drugs, Ross meets Brian Reed, whose daughter Lydia tragically died aged 25 after taking the lethal cocktail of drugs without knowing its strength.
"Tonight, a journey across Britain opens my eyes to a secret crisis. For millions of people, painkillers are vital, but what if they become addictive?" Ross Kemp says.
This is sure to be a gripping watch.
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In this week's episode, Ross continues to explore the impact of living with dementia, which is currently Britain's biggest killer.
In a heartbreaking clip, he meets with former co-star Barbara Windsor's husband who describes how his wife struggles to recognise him thanks to her own battle with dementia. You can watch it here:
Ross Kemp: Living With Painkiller Addiction airs on ITV at 7.30pm on Thursday 25th June.
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