Do needle exchange programs work for treatment?
Needle exchange programs are designed to prevent the spread AIDS and Hepatitis C. Research in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry found “little impact on rates of drug use,” However, NEPs are effective tools for the prevention of disease.Disease PreventionThe Journal of AIDS Education Prevention reported significant drops in related disease rates correlated with the use of NEPs.Not TreatmentSyringe Exchange Program’s are not treatment yet, the “Psychological and pharmacological interventions (offered). . . can improve treatment seeking in SEP participants. Substance abuse treatment programs can use exchange programs to “improve harm-reduction efforts” according to the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.Encourages TreatmentNEPs offer information and treatment access. David, a former heroin addict, who contracted Hepatitis C, wishes he had had access to a needle exchange program.Not In My NeighborhoodSignificantly more people “come to the area to buy drugs (60 percent) than to exchange needle
