NEEDLE EXCHANGES DON'T PRODUCE MORE DRUG USERS

Re: "No To Needle Exchange" (Editorial, Sept. 1):

Even though you concede that numerous scientific studies have concluded
that clean needle exchanges prevent the spread of AIDS and do not
"encourage higher levels of illegal drug use," you continue to oppose the
very programs, such as needle exchange, that are most successful in
encouraging drug users to enter treatment.

It's ironic that you are willing to sacrifice the lives of the current
20,000 intravenous drug users in San Diego County so as not to be perceived
as undermining our government's "successful" campaign against drug abuse.

Contrary to your fear-mongering, not a single person has become an
intravenous drug user because of the existence of a clean needle exchange
program. In fact, thousands have been helped by these programs to get into
treatment. And, thanks to these programs, they are not infected with HIV or
hepatitis and they don't have to look to the government to pay for the
associated medical costs of treating these deadly diseases.

The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and
expecting a different result. Tragically, our county Board of Supervisors
seems destined to watch another 1,000 lives being lost to AIDS while more
than 20 other cities throughout this state, including Los Angeles and San
Francisco, take proactive action in implementing life-saving needle
exchange programs.

E. THOMAS RITTER, Carlsbad