Soap opera plot based on former drug addict's experiences

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by Change | 16 Aug 2010

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A drug addiction soap opera storyline has been based on the experiences of a recovered Midlands drug abuser.

Scriptwriters have used the experiences of a former drug addict to develop a controversial storyline for BBC soap opera EastEnders.

Midlands-based Paul White, who received drug addiction support from charity Addaction, spent £200,000 on his crack cocaine habit over a period of four years, the Mirror reports.

Now, his story is being played out on TV through 'hardman' character Phil Mitchell, who is in the beginnings of a crack cocaine addiction.

Mr White, who is now 41, told the newspaper that watching Phil is "a very emotional experience".

"People might find it upsetting but that's the reality. You can see how instantly addictive crack is," he explained.

The BBC has already received hundreds of complaints about the plot, but Mr White believes it will help warn the public about the dangers of using crack cocaine.

"Once you've tried it, that's it, your life isn't your own," he added.

Crack cocaine is almost always smoked. This delivers an immediate, intense feeling of euphoria because it is delivered straight into the lungs.

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