... One such issue is needle exchange programs also known as “harm reduction organizations”. ... Those that are for needle exchange programs argue that by making needles scarce they are forcing those that will not stop using intravenous drugs to share infected needles. Another argument for needle exchange programs is that they actually reduce drug use and not increase it. Case studies of legal syringe-exchange initiatives that receive state and local funding in Massachusetts and Washington, outlines how communities have mainstreamed this once-underground concept into the official array of AIDS prevention services. Needle exchange programs have even been supported by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Clinton’s administration who called them “…life saving intervention. ...
There are many that believe that needles exchange programs cause more harm than good. Those against needle exchange programs believe that instead of preventing drug use one is promoting or endorsing it and attracting new users and so instead they try to make needles scarce. Another argument against the programs is that most intravenous drug users die from other health problems, overdoses, or homicide and not HIV tainted needles and the only effective help that can be given to drug users is enrollment in tough-minded treatment programs enforced by drug courts (Loconte 2). Those anti needle exchange programs say that the studies that supposedly prove that needle exchange programs reduce HIV infection such as one published in the American Journal of Medicine and states that HIV infection was reduced by a third are not accurate. ...
In my opinion needle exchange programs could be a very good idea in regards to help in preventing the increase of HIV and AIDS. However I also think that for needle exchange programs to properly work there also has to be treatment and counseling provided to the drug users to help them get off drugs.
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