Brian Cox explores the histories of four addictive substances (sugar, opium, tobacco and whisky). He starts with sugar, learning how it sparked a consumer revolution; and led to widespread diabetes and obesity.

The origin of modern-day opium addiction is explored during a visit to.China, where the seeds of the problem were planted long ago.

An examination of tobacco includes a trip to Virginia to discover how the habit of smoking kick-started the British Empire. Also: how manufacturers conspired to make cigarettes the optimal nicotine delivery system; and how the Nazis were the first to link smoking with lung cancer.

The series concludes with the history of whisky, including how it came to be Scotland's national drink.