July 2, 2007
Needle exchange programs — which make sterile needles available to intravenous drug users for free — have always been a source of controversy. Washington DC, however, has moved a step forward toward making local funds available for these programs. Today, we're going to talk about the programs, whether or not they work, and why so few exist.
I would like to end my last post with: "without any drugs to boost mental states as they abuse you." People often do drugs because they are not OK with bad feelings. If you are OK with bad feelings, you are happy to be aware of how you feel, even when you feel bad. Then your awareness increases dramatically -- and this makes you happy!
harm reduction saves lifes. Let people be free to live the life they choose, so long as it's the safest and more informed life possible.
Harm reduction programs such as Needle Exchanges are far more than a way to access clean needles, they are a place to inform, empower, refer, and get dirty needles off the street and out of the homes where anyone, especially children, can get stuck with a dirty one. If you are an opponent to this idea, then have the courage to go and visit a local needle exchange just as so many who are addicted go to stay safe, stay healthy, and stay smart. I cannot tell you how many success stories I hear from those who are addicted and go to a needle exchange to simply talk with someone and become informed on how to avoid getting or transmitting deadly diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis-C. I even see people who go to Needle Exchanges to dispose of dirty needles and ask for help to get into treatment or recovery! Needle Exchanges are not the enemy they are made out to be by advocates of abstinence or those who believe addiction doesn't exist, or that incarceration is the best place for addicts to recover and get clean. Give me a break, most of the time people use to cope with a mental, emotional, or physical drama that exists past or present in their lives. Lets avoid looking at Needle Exchange as a dealer of paraphernalia instead look at it as a dealer of knowledge, empowerment and care.
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