CRACK-PIPE PROGRAM SAVES LIVES

To the Editor,

Re: City sitting on crack kit project, June 16.

This program is about harm reduction which not only affects users but
those associated with the users who may contract the named diseases.

Drug use is illegal but it is out there whether this program exists
or not. At least with this program, there is some mitigation of the
affects of drug use.

City officials seem to be looking for a 100-per cent guarantee of
program effectiveness, which can never be attained.

Council has been bogged down for some time because councillors seem
afraid of 'being wrong'. This is just one of the many tools in the
harm reduction toolbox, which can be used.

It is now time to look at all avenues and that council makes a
decision and stays committed.

I do not agree with drug use and the police are obligated to enforce
the laws, but it is highly naive to think that enforcement can
eliminate the problem.

There are many lost souls out there and this program just tries to
minimize further human suffering.

Individuals who are addicted to crack cocaine will self-administer it
in any way possible, through intravenous injection or inhalation.
This is a very powerful addiction.

Let us not be mistaken. We are not talking about kids trying out
crack because they have a bit of extra money and access to a crack pipe.

This program is oriented toward those who cannot stop taking the
drug. These are people whose lives revolve around cocaine, who may
not have the social circumstances or mental health to stop taking the
drug through rehab or otherwise.

The crack-pipe program reduced the crack cocaine injection rate from
96 per cent to 78 per cent. It reduced the crack pipe sharing rate
from 37 per cent to 12 per cent.

The program was too small and too short lived to yield a
statistically significant reduction in hepatitis C or HIV prevalence,
but its 4,000 visits by crack users did increase access to education,
social support, health services and referrals to other social service
and drug treatment services.

The importance of reduction in intravenous injection rates cannot be
overstated.

Prevention of a single case of HIV or hepatitis C saves the system at
least $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Moreover, bacterial infections
will be reduced. Research has shown significant reduction in these
rates of transmissions and costs.

There is no doubt that getting people off drugs is preferable. But
that is not a real possibility for some addicts.

The whole point of harm reduction manoeuvres like the crack pipe
program is to accept the reality that, because of addiction, mental
illness or circumstances, there are individuals who will put
themselves in harm's way.

It is not only cost-effective and healthier to offer safer
alternatives like crack pipe programs, needle exchange programs and
even alcohol maintenance programs, it is also compassionate and realistic.

If the thought of such programs offends one's values, that's too bad.
The proof that these programs save lives, reduce illness and save
money is unequivocal.

Perhaps we should direct our energies at redoubling our efforts to
ensure all children are raised in homes free of abuse, with adequate
education and employment opportunities, so that addiction problems do
not develop.

G. Youngman consultant, HIV/AIDS issues Nanaimo