CRACK PIPES DON'T PROMOTE DRUG USE

Harm-reduction policies do not help people ruin their lives "safely,"
as you suggest (Editorial, Sept. 8, ''No crack pipes'').

They do not enable drug users to do drugs, but allow them to use drugs
in the safest way possible. The war on drugs and "just say no"
approaches have been categorical failures.

There will always be people who use drugs, and until they are ready to
stop, we have a responsibility to do what we can to stop the spread of
infectious and fatal diseases and keep them as healthy as possible.
Dead people can't do detox.

Needle exchanges such as ours not only provide sterile injection
equipment, but a place where drug users can come and talk openly about
their addiction, without fear of reprisal or judgment. Our service
providers are available to listen, counsel, refer and even accompany
users to the appropriate services when they are ready to stop using.

Anita Cugliandro

Clinical co-ordinator, TRAC

Verdun