First transmitted in August 2003

Snorting Coke with the BBC takes a wry look at some of the most highly publicised cases of BBC TV and radio celebrities caught using drugs and examines the attitude of the media towards their behaviour, their subsequent fall from grace and, in some cases, their rehabilitation. Frank Bough, Johnnie Walker, Richard Bacon and Angus Deayton are the stars featured as the circumstances surrounding their dismissal from the BBC are examined. Along with their cocaine use, Frank, Johnnie and Angus were caught in various sexually compromising positions, raising questions about the connection between drugs and sex.

The programme looks at the reaction of their employers, their colleagues and the press to what happened, asking if their response was at times an over-reaction, or if there were inconsistencies in the way that they were dealt with. The programme also considers the issue of whether the BBC should have a consistent workplace policy on drug taking by its employees, or whether each case should be assessed individually on its own merits.

So what is the appeal of a drug like cocaine – just why do these high-profile personalities risk everything by taking it?  We’ve talked to some real life users about how they came to start taking drugs, and the effects that drugs have had on their lives:

– Clare, 39, started taking drugs when she was still at school, thinking they might change her life for the better.  She tells us how she finally came to put them behind her.

– Michael, 21, talks openly about the highs and lows of his time with cocaine.

Help and info
Not everyone has the option of checking into a private rehab clinic to help beat their drug addiction, but other forms of support are also available.  If someone you know is taking drugs, and you’re unsure about what to do, we’ve got advice on ways you can help.

The following organisations might also be useful:

Cocaine Anonymous
Helpline: 020 7284 1123 (10am-10pm every day)
Website: www.cauk.org.uk

National Drugs Helpline
Helpline: 0800 77 66 00 (24 hours, every day)
Website: www.ndh.org.uk/helpline.html

The Centre for Recovery
Tel: 01970 626470
Website: www.recovery.org.uk

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