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 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom