Pubdate: Thu, 28 Apr 2016
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Copyright: 2016 Hearst Communications Inc.
Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/submissions/#1
Website: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388
Author: Lorna Pyle

DIFFERENT APPROACH TO TREAT ADDICTIONS

In response to "Safe injection center or harm reduction folly" (April 
8), the belief that the lives of heroin users are worth saving is no 
folly. Contrary to Debra J. Saunders' assertions, heroin addicts do 
not use because it is easy. They use because they struggle with 
addiction, a mental disorder that is defined by continued use despite 
risk of self-harm. The harm reduction model recognizes that people 
struggling with heroin addiction will use whether or not they have 
access to clean needles. From the nursing perspective, San Francisco 
needs safe injection centers. These centers will limit the number of 
overdoses, the transmission of hepatitis C or HIV, and the public's 
exposure to dirty needles. While the city needs more rehabilitation 
programs, especially long-term treatment centers that accept clients 
without private insurance, recovery is not a realistic option for 
all. Safe injection centers can act as a gateway to treatment and 
protect intravenous drug users who continue to struggle with addiction.

Lorna Pyle, San Francisco
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom