Migraines affect one in 10 people

If you are worried about taking painkillers, phone the BBC Action Line on 0800 888 809

Earlier this year we reported on how a recent rise in the sales of over the counter headache tablets and painkillers was leading to more and more people becoming addicted.

After the programme we were inundated by thousands of calls and emails from people seeking more information.

Many were previously unaware that it was possible to become hooked on these common medicines.

Real Story asked two viewers to keep video diaries as they struggled to overcome their addiction.

Derek Harsthorne, 44, contacted the programme after realising that on a bad day he has taken three times the legal limit of Co-codamol.

"The more stressed I am the more I take. Over the past six months I've taken four every three hours, an average of 16 to 20 a day."

Grandmother Janet Richardson was told by doctors that she had to kick her ten-a-day painkillers habit.

"The whole damn family takes them - that's the trouble."

For help and advice on this issue, contact support organisations through their websites are on the right

Real Story: BBC One, Monday 9 August 2004, 1930 BST and live on the Real Story website.