Why has Scotland got such a huge drug problem?

Some of the drugs circulating now are stronger than they used to be.

Maremia

Hope they keep researching, and making progress.

I think it is ongoing Maremia. So 🤞 crossed

John Swinney today backed decriminalisation of drugs, which other countries such as Portugal, have done with success. If people can get their drugs from legal sources the drug-running criminal gangs will find themselves out of work while users will no longer end up committing crimes to fund their habit. With government oversight, the quality of drugs would be consistent which would cut deaths and a tax could even be levied on them, as on tobacco and alcohol.

I do wonder, though, with the flood of new substances coming in, whether it would be shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Richard Nixon declared his War Against Drugs fifty five years ago but not a single victory has been won yet.

I agree petra that some addicts swap drug/alcohol addiction for relentless challenges such as running etc chasing that dopamine hit by never missing say a session at the gym without feeling great angst.

MT62

I remember the ice cream vans selling all their wares under the guise of selling ice cream back in the 70s in Glasgow when I use to visit my relatives.
There has always been a culture of heavy drinking up there, drugs was the next big thing.
It’s everywhere now not just Scotland.

I agree plus this the price of drugs has got really cheap.

SueDonim

John Swinney today backed decriminalisation of drugs, which other countries such as Portugal, have done with success. If people can get their drugs from legal sources the drug-running criminal gangs will find themselves out of work while users will no longer end up committing crimes to fund their habit. With government oversight, the quality of drugs would be consistent which would cut deaths and a tax could even be levied on them, as on tobacco and alcohol.

I do wonder, though, with the flood of new substances coming in, whether it would be shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Richard Nixon declared his War Against Drugs fifty five years ago but not a single victory has been won yet.

Decriminalisation was in the SNP manifesto.

The necessary powers aren't devolved so it's basically the usual standoff against UKgov. Yet another example the SNP can use to blame Westminster for their own failings.

SNP claim "If we had the power to decriminalise drugs it would solve the drug problem, but Westminster won't allow it, so we must have independence".

It's the same script re-enacted ad infinitum.

The reason that Portugal is mentioned is it's the only country that has decriminalised drugs. But Portugal never had the problem on a scale that Scotland has.

*other countries have partly decriminalised drugs but not to the extent that Portugal has.

Here it is ICE ( meth) that most addicts have. Heroin is not so much a drug used these days. Also cocaine because it has become a lot cheaper. O Caine used to be confined to ‘posh’ people with money but apparently that is no longer the case. Heroin and methadone to help cure that addiction have dropped out of favour. We have injecting rooms which a lot are opposed to because that is where people get their drugs. They don’t work but try and tell the government that! One of the reasons some say for drugs ( one of many) is that they are now cheaper than booze so if you want a ‘good’ night out you have a drug rather than spend all your money drinking. Horrible thought.

I thought the education system in Scotland was well ahead of the rest of the country.

In 1773 Samuel JOHnson made his famous comment The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees, is the high road that leads him to England! What a tragedy that nothing has improved in over 200 years.

That's true, Fried, there seems to be a 'hit' that some people need/crave.

If it's genetic addiction there is no solution because they are predisposed to hopelessness no wonder there are so many drug deaths

Never have been a Clarkson fan, MOnica, but in one episode, of possibly Top Gear, he made a list, a very long list, of things invented by the Scots.

Pilgrimandrew

Probably cos it's such a grim place to live with nothing else to do all day, it's the only way to get through life!😂

Presumably you don’t know Scotland very well?
Much of it is beautiful.

I take hope, David, from the research that Plevey has described upthread.

Bollywood films are made in Scotland because the dramatic landscape matches their romantic settings.

The SNP are incompetent.

As I expected, this thread has degenerates into a bash Scotland litany. Scots have a disposition towards alcohol addiction in a similar way to some Báltico countries. You can add drug addiction to that. It's shameful that my country has such a reputation and I hope the Scottish government can address the root causes and work with the Westminster government to deal with the problem.

Dear dear. Proof reading fail.
*baltic
*degenerated

I understand peer pressure but I've often wondered who takes a depressed or vulnerable person on one side and tells them, "Try this highly addictive substance that will drive you to crime to feed the inevitable habit..."

lizzypopbottle

I understand peer pressure but I've often wondered who takes a depressed or vulnerable person on one side and tells them, "Try this highly addictive substance that will drive you to crime to feed the inevitable habit..."

Drug dealers who don't see a person they see a life long, guaranteed customer who will find the money no matter what.

Grandmabatty

As I expected, this thread has degenerates into a bash Scotland litany. Scots have a disposition towards alcohol addiction in a similar way to some Báltico countries. You can add drug addiction to that. It's shameful that my country has such a reputation and I hope the Scottish government can address the root causes and work with the Westminster government to deal with the problem.

But so many Scots did and do move away. My own protestant ancestors jumped at a chance to move over to Ulster and get land and a house after the flight of the Earls in 1607

Maremia

Never have been a Clarkson fan, MOnica, but in one episode, of possibly Top Gear, he made a list, a very long list, of things invented by the Scots.

To add to M0nica's post above But so many Scots did and do move away

Yes, the Scots were great inventors.

Many enterprising Scots emigrated to the New World, Australia and New Zealand and were extremely successful in those countries.
Of course, some went as a result of the Highland clearances and famine too, enduring hardship but forging better lives for themselves and their descendants.

Grandmabatty

As I expected, this thread has degenerates into a bash Scotland litany. Scots have a disposition towards alcohol addiction in a similar way to some Báltico countries. You can add drug addiction to that. It's shameful that my country has such a reputation and I hope the Scottish government can address the root causes and work with the Westminster government to deal with the problem.

It's obvious Scots have a "disposition towards alcohol" the question is why.

The MUP policy has reduced alcohol deaths but drug deaths continue to rise. Possibly drugs are now cheaper than alcohol so the MUP has caused more deaths due to drug addiction than alcoholism. Simply put the MUP has switched deaths from one addiction to another.

OldFrill

Grandmabatty

As I expected, this thread has degenerates into a bash Scotland litany. Scots have a disposition towards alcohol addiction in a similar way to some Báltico countries. You can add drug addiction to that. It's shameful that my country has such a reputation and I hope the Scottish government can address the root causes and work with the Westminster government to deal with the problem.

It's obvious Scots have a "disposition towards alcohol" the question is why.

The MUP policy has reduced alcohol deaths but drug deaths continue to rise. Possibly drugs are now cheaper than alcohol so the MUP has caused more deaths due to drug addiction than alcoholism. Simply put the MUP has switched deaths from one addiction to another.

It would be interesting to know why and if those Scots who emigrated generations ago still have that disposition towards alcohol or drugs or if it is something to do with living in Scotland itself?
Does geography have anything to do with it, ie are colder, darker climates more depressing and do other countries on the same latitudes have similar problems?

We know quite a few Scots over here in Australia. All of them like a drink or three and all of them are very witty, argumentative and very loyal friends. Similar with our Irish friends, though we don’t know quite so many .