Volunteers are being sought for a groundbreaking study into addiction to over-the-counter medicines, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Researchers at Aberdeen University are looking for recruits after 2% of a sample of 972 people admitted to being hooked on such medication.
More than half of those addicted had not sought treatment, said PhD researcher Niamh Fingleton.
She is now keen to learn more about their reluctance to get help.
Ms Fingleton said: “This is a completely new study. No-one has ever looked at the prevalence of addiction to over-the-counter medicines in the general population before.
“This is an important issue to understand because long-term continual use of some of these products can have physical and psychological consequences such as liver and kidney damage”.
The research will aim to establish what factors influence addicts to seek help, and why some are reluctant to do so.
People who are currently being treated for addiction are also encouraged to come forward.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact Ms Fingleton on 01224 437206.
Volunteers can remain anonymous, if preferred.
