Debate in the Scottish Parliament: Alcohol and Drug Deaths (“See Beyond—See the Lives—Scotland” Campaign)

The Scottish Parliament today debated Alcohol and Drug Deaths (“See Beyond—See the Lives—Scotland” Campaign), moved by Miles Briggs MSP.

Motion: That the Parliament notes the campaign, See Beyond - See the Lives - Scotland, developed by the University of Stirling, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and the Salvation Army; understands that the campaign aims to reduce the stigma that surrounds deaths due to alcohol and drugs; further understands that, behind every death, there are families, friends and communities who are experiencing devastating loss; recognises the importance of challenging the judgement and stereotypes that people often bring to the topic of substance use, and to people who have problems with alcohol or drugs and their families; commends the campaign pledge committing to be respectful and compassionate towards those affected by substance use, to use non-judgemental language when talking about substance use problems, and to reach out to those they know who have been affected to try to reduce the isolation and stigma that can be faced by those who have been bereaved in this way, and notes the calls on people across Scotland, including in the Lothian region, to sign the campaign pledge at seebeyondscotland.com.

Extracts:

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Con): ...The campaign was launched in May by the University of Stirling, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems and the Salvation Army. Alongside Monica Lennon, I was pleased to help to launch the campaign in the Parliament, with 14 other people who have d their letters to their loved ones.

When I spoke to families after that event, it was telling that many of their experiences were the same as mine and my family’s. Stigma is still attached to our loved ones speaking about problematic alcohol and drug use, not only from how people talk about that but from the judgments that they bring to it.

The notion that someone has done this to themselves and the labels that society often attaches to people are harmful. When they seek treatment and support, our loved ones face conscious and unconscious bias, sometimes even from overworked medical professionals.

Monica Lennon (Central Scotland) (Lab)...I am really grateful to the University of Stirling, the Salvation Army, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and SHAAP for reaching out to us. I also thank the people who are here, in the gallery.

For the full transcript, CLICK HERE