What are needle exchange programs?
A needle and syringe programme (NSP), also known as needle exchange program (NEP), is a social service that allows injecting drug users (IDUs) to obtain hypodermic needles and associated paraphernalia at little or no cost.
How can I get free syringes?
It is currently free for community members only. See the list of equipment and use the online order form. You can also order by calling (02) 8354 7300 or free call 1800 644 413.
How effective are needle exchange programs?
Results: After reviewing the scientific literature the authors conclude that needle and syringe exchange programs are an effective way of reducing risky behaviors related to injecting drug use, hence they are effective in reducing the spread of HIV among injecting drug users and the population.
Do you have to pay for needle exchange?
Anyone who injects drugs can get free, new equipment (kit or works) from a needle and syringe service.
What is bad about needle exchange programs?
It’s also believed that NEP programs lead to increased crime rates and incidences of dirty syringes improperly disposed of in streets and parks. These incidences have a negative effect on communities, often decreasing property values, harming local businesses, and discouraging growth of the community.
Can you buy needles at a pharmacy?
Pharmacies who offer a needle exchange service can give you free injecting equipment, to make sure that if you are injecting, you’re doing so safely. Depending on the area in which you live, you could get different sizes of syringes and needles, citric acid and filters.
Can I buy syringes over the counter?
The pharmacy can choose whether or not to require a prescription for syringes. If the pharmacy does sell syringes without a prescription, it can only dispense 10 syringes at a time, and it cannot give them to anyone under 18 years old.
What are the cons of needle exchange programs?
Possible Negative Outcomes
- Increase in Program Participant Drug Use.
- Increase in New Initiates to Injection Drug Use.
- Increased Drug Use in the Community.
- Increase in Number of Contaminated Needles Unsafely Discarded.
Can you get needles from a pharmacy?
Needle and syringe exchange is available through selected pharmacies and drug treatment agencies displaying the needle exchange logo. Some pharmacies can issue basic needle and syringe packs and accept used needles and syringes.
Who can use needle exchange?
Anyone who injects drugs can get free, new equipment (kit or works) from a needle and syringe service. Using new, sterile injecting equipment helps keep you safe from infections, wounds and abscesses. It protects you from viruses like HIV, hep B and hep C.
Are needle exchange programs ethical?
Needle exchange programs (NEPs) are one highly effective, if controversial, strategy to curtail the costs of illicit drug use. Harm reduction strategies recognize the inherent worth of all individuals and are based on ethical principles of pragmatism, utilitarianism, and liberal individualism.
Do needle exchange programs increase drug use?
“Needle exchange programs have been proven to reduce the transmission of blood-borne diseases. A number of studies conducted in the U.S. have shown needle exchange programs do not increase drug use.