The Big Drugs Debate is introduced and presented by television presenter, and ex-drug addict, Russell Brand. It takes place within a television studio with an audience of approximately 25 people. The aim is to debate and discuss four aspects of addiction – drinking, including binge drinking; recreational drugs; impact on families and loved ones; and the proposition of 'once an addict, always an addict'.

A variety of people have been invited to participate in the debate within the studio audience: as Russell states, from 'professionals and boffins, to twits who can't say no'. Many, of different ages and stages, have arrived with their own experiences of being involved in drugs, knowing someone affected by drugs, or who work in the field with those affected on a daily basis by drug addiction. The focus of the debate is aimed predominantly at young people and their experiences in relation to drug addiction.