Pubdate: Thu, 27 Oct Nov 2005
Source: Humber Et Cetera (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Humber Et Cetera
Contact:  http://etcetera.humberc.on.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3126
Author: Randi Bokor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

PROVIDING ADDICTS WITH SYRINGES WILL SLOW THE SPREAD

Needle exchange programs, now safe crack kits. Toronto is increasingly 
becoming user-friendly, in the drug sense that is. It has people 
questioning how providing addicts with the tools to use deters addictions.

The first needle exchange program was officially opened in Vancouver in 
1989. Exchanges have since become operative in many of Canada's major 
cities including our own Toronto. The exchange program allows addicts a 
place to get new and sterile needles in turn for used ones.

I don't condone drug use, and I would love to turn any prospective user 
away. I've watched many friends lose themselves to a carefree, 
hallucinogenic blur from drugs. However, I understand that an addiction is 
far beyond the drive to escape from reality a couple times a week, and 
because of this I encourage any needle exchange programs that charities or 
the government are able to fund.

The obvious benefit of needle exchanges or safe crack kits is the reduction 
of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Many do not know, but Hepatitis 
can be transmitted orally through blisters on the lips caused by 
over-heated pipes. One of the most common causes of HIV infection is the 
sharing of infected needles by injection drug users.

According to the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network in 2002, 30 per cent of 
all new HIV cases are among Canadian injection drug users. Anyone who is 
already an injection drug user is far beyond the use of a little 
recreational marijuana. I refuse to believe that offering a clean 
instrument for these people who suffer from the disease of addiction is 
encouraging anyone else to become a user. The government offers funding for 
many of our health needs, and addiction should not be any different.

Many of these exchange programs also offer counseling services, Hepatitis A 
and B testing and treatment referrals. Providing them with clean needles 
not only keeps them from spreading disease but it connects outreach workers 
with the users. They are not there to provide the drugs and encourage their 
use but are meant as a support group for people who will do anything to get 
high. Some addicts need their fix so badly they will do anything for just 
one hit of heroin or crack. They'll even go as far as to prostitute 
themselves. Selling your own body should be considered a cry of 
desperation. How could turning our backs on these people discourage future 
drug users? Why not provide a safe way to use so addicts have a chance to 
overcome their addiction rather than die from it?

I am positive that many of the people who are reading this article have 
tried drugs. I'll admit that when I was in high school I got high quite a 
bit with my friends, but I was lucky enough not to have a burning urge or 
desire to continue that drug use upon entering college. I believe that 
addicts feel something different when they first start doing drugs. They 
crave a more potent and longer high. Something inside of them makes them 
wants to use. Until we can completely cure the disease of addiction we 
should be making their lives healthier.

HIV should not condone an addict to a slow painful death because they have 
a world that is ruled by their addictions. We as a clean society are no 
better than drug addicts. Therefore, we should be doing everything in our 
power to keep them healthy and help them become drug free. If bringing them 
into a hostile-free, clean and educational environment will keep the HIV 
rate down and help only the 15 per cent of people who are able to overcome 
their addictions then it's worth it.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom