Dundee drug death epidemic

Written by William Shand
Monday, 12 January 2009
Evidence that Dundee is in the grip of a red heroin epidemic has emerged with recent figures revealing that the number of drug related deaths has doubled since last year. Although the numbers are still relativly low, heroin users will soon be dropping like flies if nothing is done to address the problem. Police action following claims from a prominent solicitor during a case at Dundee Sheriff Court, that the city’s Hilltown area was "awash with heroin users" only resulted in their problem being moved somewhere else. Lochee is now "awash with heroin users", something more has to be done to tackle this epidemic, most addicts complain about the lack of help, perhaps this is the way forward. Fewer shipments of the drug coming from Afghanistan, means poor quality heroin cut with either ketamine or mannitol is the only substance availble to users . This "red heroin" does not appear red in colour until it is being smoked or injected by users, the drug crystallises in syringes, causing blockages, vein damage, thrombosis and possible death. Image by Iwan Beijes Set as favorite Bookmark Email this Hits: 13755 Comments (5) Subscribe to this comment's feed What is the fascination? written by R B, January 25, 2009 What is the fascination with drugs? I have the 'pleasure' of photographing what's left of these people. They often die alone in flats which have never been clean due to the occupants having no inclination to use a mop or a vacuum cleaner cos they are off their heads with drugs. They are often skeletal in appearance because they can't be arsed to eat, their teeth are falling out and they look gaunt and ancient. This is a really generalised view, but it is true. I know of at least 30 case in the past two years and they all fit this description. If you are out there and considering a little bit of recreational drugs, then please don't, give the money to charity or take your kids to a footie match or sensation, the joy in their faces will be a much greater pleasure! I am not ignorant of people's suffering and I know it is some form of escape, but please think again. If people stopped abusing drugs and drink, then crime would absolutely plummet! +1 The real problem written by Eddie, April 08, 2009 Dundee, like other cities thru-out the worlsd has a huge drug problem. However the answer is not to outlaaw the use oif drugs but to educate & legalise those which are safe. Hell, alcohol is legal so why not other substances that folk wanna use. Obiously there are dangerous drugs out there but who would want that crap when they could have a good time without it. Herion, cocaine, etc is attractive to a certain mentality, we've got to get to the root of the problem & deal with it there - low self esteem. I see absolutely nothing wrong with drug use, so long as the drug isn't the user. The goverment could legalise Cannabis, Ecstasy, LSD, etc. These taken rationally do no harm, same with alcohol! +0 treat the illness written by Paul Jensen, June 18, 2009 Over indulgence in any drug ought to be frowned upon. Regarding persons who indulge in illegal drug usage to the point of addiction and all of the social issues that this may cause, they ought to be viewed as having a serious illness. The drugs they are addicted to ought to be prescribed (with an understanding that the best outcome for all is that the addict heals and gets out of their addiction, some may never succeed mind you)Spending a few pennies, tweeking some legal issues will save us all (including the addicts and their families) a lot of the misery and expense, an added bonus would be a kick up the backside to organized crime who make millions out of this shame. Will also reduce our crime rate to a great extent too. -1 ... written by mark, November 22, 2009 less crime-skeletal appearance. You're all full of shit! Yoy dont have a clue!Kepp your silly arsed comments to yourselves +0 I agree with Mark written by Ralph Maver, December 05, 2009 There are too many people who are quick to condemn the 'using' population. So many are quick to reccomend 'alternative highs'. They do not know what it is like to have a habit or how habits come about.They would seem to think that people wake up one morning and think, 'Oh! What a boring day, I am going to start using.' Well, it is not like that. Habits usually occur or come about gradually due to one's association and circumstances. Do you, honestly believe that users do not want to get clean and lead an apparently normal life? This can take years of rehab and relapses which can ooccur due to a lack of appropriate support. Ironically, it is difficult for people with no direct experience 0f what a user goes through. This is usually why the well meaning social worker types are left banging their heads on the metaphorical brick wall. Unfortunately as mucha s they apparently want to be of assistance they do not have the relevant experience required to access the psyche of the users. Please DON'T leave it to the proffessionals. This is one occasion on which the experts ie those with experience of the matter in hand would be of better use. +0 Write comment You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.