Off the rails: Scotland's Trainspotting and drug problems (20.1.21)

 Ya know, people have a very clear idea of what Scotland is like. When I talk to people who've never been here, whether from other parts of the UK or abroad, they tend to have a similar idea of what it's like. The highlands is nothing but farmers and Mel Gibson's ghost, and the cities are all just Trainspotting 24/7. I'd like to personally kick Danny Boyle in the teeth for making that the only thing we're known for up here, but sadly, the way things are looking? Renton may as well be my next door neighbour. 

It's no surprise to any of us that Scotland has a drug problem, terms like "Junky" and tales of nightclub debauchery are as standard, but the reality is far more grim than vague insults and trying to make shitty club music sound interesting (Seriously, try working in one of those places, it gets tiring real quick). With more than 1200 people dead in the country of drug overdose alone over 2019, it's a wonder why the current government, our good friends over at the SNP, or Scotland's Neverendum Party have only brought the conversation up in the last week. With a whole population unable to carry out a normal life, it's no wonder that drug use and methods of chemical escapism are on the rise, making statistics like this far more of a worry. The first minister has admitted this mistake luckily, and has pledged £50 million to end this "national disgrace", however I am considerable sceptical over the amount of money that will actually reach those in the worst state. Considering the failure of business compensation in Scotland over the pandemic, it's no surprise that some may be suspicious of Holyrood's accounting skills. 

With the highest majority of drug related deaths involving heroin or other opiate substances, it's no wonder why that first impression of the highlands is so long-standing. However, in my opinion, I don't see this as reason to start a "war on drugs" as we've seen in the past, where ideas such as choosing life were the slogan of a time period where the worst thing you could have would be AIDs. It's funny to see how far we've come considering that in the US there are some states where it may be reasonable legal to spread an incurable illness such as HIV with no legal repercussions if you don't tell your partner you have such a condition, truly the world we are living in is one that would make Thatcher and Reagan do more than just turn in their graves.

As it currently stands, I'm glad that the government has at least made promise to do something about this pressing issue, however I am hesitant to do anything less than castrate the entire parliament considering the fact that it is only now that they choose to do this. Holyrood needs to look into why these things happen, why drug culture is so common, and what can be done to help those in need, while not making possession a crime (Because after all, it's victimless). Some days it certainly seems like the whole world is strung out, but I suppose that's just what happens when you start paying attention. 

Until next time, I'll see you at the next station.

SOURCES:

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48853004

https://pridelegal.com/california-hiv-laws/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48921696

[Choosing life] - Em.