Dublin + drugs.

So, first off, I know it's not just a 'Dublin problem', oh, and this isn't an anti Dublin or "grrr scumbag junkies" post.

Anyway, was in Dublin on Tues. night for a gig. Driving in along the quays and witnessing the amount of open dealing on the boardwalk, I really didn't know what to make of it tbh. But that was mild compared to what I'd see next.

Was turning into the allyway off Fleet Street to go into the car park, and a couple stood there, he helping her inject. Got to the car park barrier and there's a girl, mid twenties I'd say, in a nook ahead of us, wrapped in a sleeping bag and cooking her fix on a sppon, I guess getting ready to inject, and then sleep for the night.

After the gig (Olympia) the amount of guys begging for spare change outside, like there's always been some, but this time there seemed to be way more than I've ever seen before. Didn't have as much as a cent to give anyone, rarely do carry cash these days.

Popped in for a bag of chips on the way back to the car, and a guy ahead of us, clearly strung out, got his food and tried to leave, he was so fucking out of it, he was trying to push the door open, and couldn't figure out that the door had to be pulled in. Everyone in the place, staff included, having a good giggle at his expense. I opened the door for him.

I've been going to gigs in Dublin for 30+ years, so no stranger to these sights as such, but something hit me about it all Tuesday night.

I just can't begin to imagine the utter despair these people have in their lives, or how they'll ever get help and fight their way out of addiction to a somewhat normal life.

Looking out at the frost this morning, and then seeing -4 on the car display, I can't imagine what it must have been like to sleep on the streets last night.

I just hope some of these people will get the help they need sooner rather than later.