Pubdate: Sun, 04 Nov 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Michael Butterfield

NEEDLE EXCHANGE GOOD FOR USERS, NOT OTHERS

The needle exchange reduces the medical risk for drug-users. In that 
respect the proponents of the exchange are right. However, the needle 
exchange does not make the community safer or address the corollary 
criminal harm.

Drug users still need to pay for their hits. They still need to 
steal. Especially when they are stoned, they continue to endanger the 
public. Recently, two delivery people were attacked by a 
knife-wielding drug addict steps from the needle exchange. Cars and 
homes continue to be targets.

The needle exchange does nothing to address these problems. 
Facilitating drug use does not reduce the risks created by drug use. 
These risks can only be addressed by attacking the underlying 
problems that cause drug use. These include homelessness, poverty and 
mental illness.

The needle exchange is effective for the user. For the community, it 
is like trying to stop a forest fire with a garden hose: Dangerous 
and ultimately futile.

Michael Butterfield,

Victoria.
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