In a series of special reports, UTV looks at the risks surrounding the prescription painkiller tramadol, as leading experts call for it to be made a Class A drug and one addict - hooked since the age of 14 - tells how it ruined his life.
Prescription painkiller tramadol, taken by thousands of people every day, is claiming more lives than any other drug – including heroin and cocaine – according to Northern Ireland’s top pathologist.
The painkiller doesn’t cause harm if taken correctly, but the danger rises when users mix it with other drugs or alcohol.
Last year, 33 deaths in Northern Ireland were linked to tramadol.
Among them were a 16-year-old girl and a pensioner in his 70s.
The opiate-based drug used to treat moderate or severe pain should only be available on prescription – it was reclassified in 2014 making it an illegal Class C drug without prescription.
But anti-drug campaigners say more and more people are turning to the black market.
Professor Jack Crane has spoken out to say he fears more people will die unless urgent action is taken and he is calling for a crackdown on the illegal market.
He wants tramadol to be upgraded again, this time to Class A.
Professor Crane is now set to meet Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer later this month to push for change.
The family of a man who died after taking a lethal mix of prescription drugs have said they hope no other family goes through the same pain.
The family of a woman who died from tramadol has welcomed the coroner’s call for it to be made a class A drug.
Prescribing painkillers such as tramadol should be overhauled in Northern Ireland’s prisons, a medical expert has said.