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Clean needle exchange programs seem to be a way of side-stepping the actual problem, which is rampant intravenous drug use. Rather than focusing efforts on reducing or stopping the problem, needle exchanges deal with the secondary problem of blood-borne diseases transferred through needle sharing. While I can understand the merit behind the idea, an attempt to stem the spread of HIV and other diseases that IV drug users are at high risk to contract, I think the effort is misplaced.

Providing needles, whatever the reason for doing so, is simply enabling an addict to do further harm to themselves and others. While it may not encourage more drug use, it certainly does nothing to stem existing drug use, or the other problems associated with it. Offering needles, however good the intentions are, facilitates opportunity for continued abuse. Given that these individuals are already engaging in severe life-threatening behavior, it seems counter-intuitive to think that they will stop to consider the secondary consequences of their actions when they aren't even dealing with the primary one. Drug use is high-risk behavior, and those under the influence of drugs aren't likely to be making rational decisions. In addition to sharing dirty needles, IV drug users also engage in unprotected sex and criminal activity to fund their drug habits. The simple step of disinfecting already used needles would decrease the likelyhood of infection, but most addicts aren't thinking about the consequences of their actions. Needle exchange is simply a finger in the crack of a dam ready to burst.

Consider also the impact of needle exchange centers on the communities they are in. The existence of such a place in a neighborhood often results in an increase of addicts in the area. Opponents of a needle exchange in the lower east side of New York City cite an increase in used needles littering the area, as well as drug-users shooting up in the streets nearby.

Government spending would be better served in effectively stemming the drug supply and the people who distribute it, along with continued education of the dangers of drug use, including the risk of HIV infection. Decreased supply along with decreased demand seem to be a better attempt at a complete solution to the problem, rather than simply damage control.

Learn more about this author, Jeff Lee.
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