So i was reading an interesting article in the paper the other day regarding Needle Exchange Programs (NEP) in federal prisons. They began them in August as a trial to see if they could promote Harm Reduction within the prison system for Intravenous drug users as well as with tattooing. I think this is a fantastic idea. I also agree with Harm Reduction and it's principles. For those that are unsure of what it means....Harm Reduction is a service delivery model and a model for behaviour change. It encourages substance users to reduce the harm done by drug use, using clean works and such to prevent the spread of various diseases through dirty needles. As well, it provides users with a new needle for every time they use as some will use the same needle 20-30 times making the tip jagged and a feeding ground for infecions with the raw ripped skin.
I had a big discussion with my trainer on Halloween about Needle Exchange Programs. He was horrified by them, thought they promoted more drug use. I disagreed, people are going to do what they want to do, we can at least provide them with the tools to prevent further harm to their bodies. These NEP provide clean injection equipment in return for old or used needles and promote safer injections. They dispose properly of used and perhaps contaminated needles so they are not lying around the parks for kids to touch etc. As well, i know in Vancouver they had started Safe Injection sites for heroin users a few years back with clean facilities and medical staff on hand. Some of their goals included preventing the spread of infectious diseases and preventing fatal overdoses. I have not done any research as of yet into the outcomes of this place....Any thoughts on these programs?
7 comments:
Hey Ash,
I was a bit sketched out by harm reduction when I first heard about it too, but in actuality now that I know a bit more about it, all I can say is that it's really important. The diseases you can get from dirty needles (I'm not just talking about HIV) are absolutely terrifying.
The Vancouver needle exchange program has been an inspiring success, and it's no surprise because similar programs in Europe (where they don't feel the need to sentance drug addicts to death by refusing to assist them in any way) have had similar results.
I actually heard that there was a program in the UK where the government took registered heroin addicts and gave them a ration of herion every day with clean needles and these people were capable of holding down a job and a home life. Some people might get upset by the idea of their tax dollars going towards someone elses drug problem. The important thing to keep in mind though, is that the major problem of drug addiction is not the actual drug, it's the expense and difficulty 'scoring.' If you take that aspect out of it, you allow people to tackle the other issues in their lives, keep their support systems and hopefully kick their addiction. Also, I'd much rather have the drugs supplied by the government safely, than end up living next to a drug lab.
I think needle exchange is a great progmra, but of course you already know that.
Clean needles are a must. One thing I learned in social services, is that if you cannot PREVENT people from doing IV drugs, at least you can help them be safer about doing it.
Needle exchange programs are excellent in decreasing the transmission of HIV/Aids, and of course Barbing *This is when you are reusing needles, and the residue from previous drug injections act like tiny little crystalized fibres, so that when you inject the needle into your vein, the crystals attach themselves to the vein as well, and when you pull the needle out, the vein comes with it. YIKES....
I know that we cant stop IV drug use, but teaching people to be safer about it is the first step.
I think it's a good idea. It's along the same lines as keeping condoms available for high schoolers. Parents don't get that the kids are going to do it anyway...why not make sure there is a measure of protection there.
i didnt see a link to Embarrassing Moments blog. Can you provide it.
you seem so much like PP. i thought you guys were the same person. you even look like her in the HNt pics.
Yrautca - LOL....we are NOT the same person, and if we are...she's got a LOT of explaining to do. We've known eachother forever. She says 20 some odd years, but I say forever. Our parents lived next door to one another, I was born and her 4 months later. It really comes down to semantics. LOL....
Besides, i'm a LOT nicer than she is....more dramatic...but I share better. LOL
Did anyone ever watch the Muppets? Remember Statler and Waldorf? The two who sat in the balconey of the theatre and mocked everyone? Well, that's who Ash and PP are.
I've known these two for 7 years, and I can promise that they inhabit two separate bodies, as for the rest you can make your own conclusions.
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