The Scottish anti-stigma campaign ‘See Beyond – See the Lives’ is launching two awareness raising roadshows in Stirling this February.
The two shows, taking place on February 17 in Stirling’s Central Library and February 21 at St Ninians Library, both from 2 pm to 5 pm, allow attendees the chance to hear from those impacted by drug and substance use.
“Everyone knows someone” is the message behind the Scottish Government-funded campaign run by academic and advocacy organisations.
Launched in 2023, its messaging aims to “challenge and provoke” through real-life stories and images. Organisers hope these will dispel myths surrounding drug and alcohol use and related deaths and encourage the public to show compassion for those directly affected by substance use and their friends and families.
By reading personal letters written to a loved one who has passed away, family members and friends will share intimate stories of those they have lost to drug and alcohol use.
The partners involved in launching the campaign (University of Stirling, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, and The Salvation Army) aim to reach new audiences after gaining national media attention and receiving funding for the next phase of work.
It comes as the latest figures show a 15-year high in deaths due to alcohol and drug use. National Records of Scotland figures show that in 2023, there were 1,277 alcohol-related deaths, which is the highest since 2008.
The Scottish government’s most recent findings also show that while alcohol consumption is at its lowest level among 16-24 year- olds since records began, drug-related deaths among under 25-year-olds has more than doubled since 2017, with 78 deaths recorded in 2020.
Recovery provider Detox Plus, cited the easy availability of drugs and alcohol, along with the drug and binge drinking culture of student life as contributing factors to the use of drugs and alcohol by students.
You can find out more about the See Beyond – See the Lives campaign here.
Feature Image Credit: See Beyond Scotland
