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The Pros And Cons Of Needle Exchange Programs

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Do Needle Exchange Programs help or hinder our society? By Abby Needham

Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs, or NSPs, have been a controversial issue since the first government approved clinic opened in the Netherlands in 1980. Now, almost 35 years on, these programs are one of the most heavily disputed topics across the globe. Are these programs offering a helping hand to those in need or encouraging something that needs to be stopped? Do these programs actually reduce HIV and Hepatitis C? Is it simply sending the wrong message to the younger generation? In this report, I will be discussing whether these programs help or hinder the struggle against drug addiction as well as the message they send to the wider community. This is an …show more content…

Despite the positive evidence, there is an overwhelmingly strong public opinion against NSPs. Many members of the public feel that these programs will hinder the fight against drug addiction, believing that there are other, more effective methods. David Evans, a New Jersey attorney and advisor to Drug Free America Foundation has been very vocal in his dislike for these clinics saying that “We’d much prefer that we emphasize abstinence and getting people into treatment rather than just giving them needles.” This is a very important message coming from someone who holds his position. He is emphasizing, via the organisation, Drug Free America, that these programs aren’t the right way to achieve their goal. “Certainly it’s more acceptable if it’s being used as a means of getting people into treatment, but we don’t think the science really justifies it” In short, he’s telling the American public that ‘No, we don’t condone these programs and we don’t believe that they work’. Drug Free America is trying to convince the public to question whether or not these programs actually work. Giving out free needles also comes with some quite powerful symbolism as this act could be seen as encouraging the habit which some people see as a negative. Kirk Elifson, a professor of behavioral sciences and health education at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory conducted a study across America's southern states found that “there appears to be a …show more content…

Personally, I fully support NSPs and what they can to for communities all over the world. With all the statistics and evidence presented in this report, I would find it hard not to support NSPs. These clinics provide a supporting environment where drug addicts can go to try and get clean as well as find information on drug safety and other resources. Like with anything, there are some negative aspects but as long as people are well educated on what NSPs actually provide, as well as parents explaining this to their children, there should be no problem with accepting these clinics. NSPs are the best solution that America has to drug addiction and while there are some reports that they don’t help at all, the positive evidence is overwhelming. By implementing NSPs into our society, this will support and help drug addicts whilst decreasing the risk of overdoses, drug related deaths and spread of disease such as HIV and Hepatitis C. With a rise in IDUs, this is an essential decision for the

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