An Exploration into Addiction and Self Concern in the group of cavalier characters in the novel Trainspotting by Irvine welsh
             In Irvine Welsh's disturbing and tragic novel 'Trainspotting' one of the most poignant yet controversial themes is the friendship between the central characters. This comes to crisis point as the desperation of their heroin addiction increases. The novel 'Trainspotting' is a story of addiction and betrayal and for characters in the novel life is simply focused on where the next fix will come from.
             Set in the underworld of Scotland's capital, it tells of a wild, freeform, rabelaisian trip through the darkest recesses of Edinburgh lowlife. Where a group of disaffected Scottish youths turn to heroin to escape the banalities of modern day existence. Then they begin to discover that there are no easy solutions to inherent loneliness and pain of life. Where for the characters all sense of normal behaviour disintegrates once they find themselves trapped, a prime example of victims caught in today's viscous cycle of drugs.
             Selfishness and self-destruction regularly go hand in hand throughout the novel. A prime example of this is portrayed through a mother 'Lesley'. Who had become so addicted to and dependent on heroin to the extent that she had neglected her child at fault of her addiction, resulting in its death. This is the most distressing episode in the novel for the reader because the baby represented innocence and morality, which is effectively conveyed by welsh as a complete contrast to the gang of drug users. However if this scene wasn't saddening enough, the seriousness and reality comes as a shock when we are to learn the first concern on Lesley's mind was heroin.
             "Ye cookin? Ah need a shot Mark. Ah really need a fuckin shot. C'moan Marky,cook us up a shot..."
             This part in the novel gives a severe anti-drug message put for...