I did not follow the post and responses from where this originally came from. This is just my opinion about needle exchange programs. As a person that worked for one (I am an advocate and outreach worker for many causes), I fully believe in the necessity of needle exchange programs. I do not feel that providing needles enables a drug addict. If they are addicted, they need clean ones to safely use, otherwise they will unsafely use. At that point, they don't have a choice. It is merely a basic harm reduction technique, to provide clean needles, water, cottons, and even to suggest or to provide clean drugs where that is legal (not anywhere here in the US). Addiction is a very real illness and is not controllable in any way when a person is dope sick (needing dope). It isn't when they are in great need and suffering from untreated withdrawals that one gets all 'tough love' on them. This is the time to help them be safe.
Providing clean needles helps curb the spread of infectious diseases, like HIV/AIDS and Hep C, as well as MRSA.
Providing clean needles helps curb the spread of infectious diseases, like HIV/AIDS and Hep C, as well as MRSA.
