7; daysin thelife of; David Graham Scott, ex-addict and documentary
David Graham ScottMonday
GET up reasonably early as usual. Not a big deal for most people but it used to be really bad when I was addicted to methadone. In those days I'd sit up really late and get up late. Since I kicked the habit my body needs much less sleep.
Decorate flat. Not something I enjoy doing. Even less when it's just for selling the place. The wholeflat reeks of this hellish tile sealant solvent I've just put down. Have to get out.
Have lunch with Professor Neil McKeganey of Glasgow University. He's an authority in drug misuse so we have plenty in common. I'm liaising with various experts, providing them with copies of my junkie-based documentaries for teaching purposes. I stay out of the flat as long as I can but the smell is still there when I get back. Watch the all-new Texas Chainsaw film to take my mind off things.
Tuesday
TRANSMISSION day for Detox Or Die. I do feel a sense ofachievement in having made this documentary but I fear some aspects of it. It's not an easy film to watch, especially since I'm the poor fool baring his soul. When I watch it I wonder what made me become so obsessed with addictive drugs. Never mind; it's something I used to be and not part of what I am now.
Head over to John Archer's house (he produced the film) for a transmission party. Have some lovely vegetarian food. We're up against Big Brother and a film about the Bay City Rollers on Channel 4. John really pushed for the BBC commission we eventually got.
Wednesday
THE aftermath of the screening. I left contact details with the BBCso am receiving loads ofcorrespondence. Feels like I'mrunning a drugs helpline. There are so many folk seeking freedom from their addiction. I know that theibogaine treatment (featured in the film) worked for me but I'm not sure I can recommend it wholeheartedly. The effects were very frightening to begin with. However, if an addict can go through this baptism of fear then it can be effective in treating withdrawal.
Go to see my girlfriend, Eve, at the hospital. She's seriously ill and receiving chemotherapy. This has put such a different perspective on things. We've decided we need to leave the city for a while.
Hire a van to move all my belongings to Wick. A long drive ahead. Not looking forward to it.
Thursday
UP early to get the hire van back on time to Glasgow. Still getting calls from desperate addicts and their relatives. I suppose I've become a bit of an authority on heavy drugs but I'd like to work on other, unrelated projects.
Heavy thunderstorm makes it really hard to drive but I get the van back with not a second to spare.
The flat seems so spartan and quite sad now.
Have a meeting with a guyinterested in peyote/mescaline treatment for alcoholism. The Native Americans apparently use this with some degree of success.
Friday
EVE'S sister took her to the hospital for more blood tests. Seems like she'll be in for another few weeks. This is a very trying time for all. I wonder how Eve copes.
Still getting calls and e-mails from people moved by the film. Do my best to answer them all. Up to John Archer's office to check if there's been any more news. Hear that our viewing figures were great; we even beat the Bay City Rollers film.
Saturday
OFF to Edinburgh for a screening of a film I made a few years ago called Little Criminals. It's part of theScottish Documentary Institute's screening programme. Do anintroduction and discussion. Little Criminals is a year in the lives of a disparate bunch of junkie shoplifters in Glasgow. Very intense. Have a vegan meal at Bann's restaurant before I go. I do a bit of projection work for Glasgow Uni so hurry back to the city to show Nosferatu at 11pm. What a way to end the day.
Sunday
HAVING made Detox Or Die, I know that I owe it to people to help in any way I can. What with my partner's illness and moving flat, I'm feeling pretty stressed out. In the past this would have been a trigger for using again. But times have changed. The ibogaine has rewired my brain. I feel so much more together as a human being.
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