Needle Exchange Injects Hope in Homelessness Struggle

New Jersey has finally joined several other states in adopting a syringe exchange program.

The powers that be in the state are realizing that this cutting-edge (and often controversial) program is beneficial for public health and, because it is run by private agencies, is not a drain on taxpayers. (Of course the tax dollars question must be settled up front. That seems to be the only language many people speak.)

In the two years since the start of the program in New Jersey, 4,500 intravenous drug users in five cities have participated, and almost 1,000 of them have entered treatment. This proves that many people who use want to stop; they just need a helping hand to guide them through the process. They need to know they can come as they are: homeless, hopeless and addicted and receive the services and hope they need.

Syringe exchange programs, also known as needle exchange programs, allow people to take control of their addiction and practice it in a much healthier way. People may argue that syringe exchange is enabling people to use drugs. The opposite is true.

Syringe exchange is harm reduction, a successful intervention model based on the principle that less harm is progress. For example, a person who participates in a syringe exchange program would bring in her used needles and exchange them for unused ones. She would still be using drugs, but but she would no longer be using and possibly sharing "dirty" needles, thus curbing the spread of blood-borne illnesses like HIV and Hepatitis. Social workers would work with her to reduce the amount and frequency of her drug use until she became clean. It is a much more humane and effective approach than abstinence-only, cold turkey programs. Close to 300,000 used syringes have been collected so far in New Jersey.

At the same time, this is a huge success for the individuals who are struggling with the reality of addiction every day. Many who struggle with the worst addictions are those with the fewest resources. Addiction is a devastating disease that can take control of a person's life.

Many people may end up homeless at some point in their addiction (or even pick up addictions to cope after becoming homeless). Overcoming addiction and homelessness simultaneously can be an impossible struggle. Most people injecting drugs cannot just quit. If it were that easy, we would not need this program in the first place. Syringe exchange programs provide a much needed safe space for people to receive services and not be judged.

Photo credit: Todd Huffman