I want to add that I am taking a break from the forum. I am very outraged and hurt over this. I'm taking me time. I'll be back at a later date when this and members are not getting under my skin.

bec

Well, is this the line?

"They did drugs once in front of me and I noticed they were using the same needle, so I went to the store and bought them needles (is this supporting their addiction, or trying to prevent them from getting sick, I saw it 99% the latter, but 1% of the other.)"


Yeah, I bought them needles after seeing them use the same ones over and over. That is not safe/healthy (well, nor is doing drugs) but I was concerned for their saftey, If they were going to do drugs that involved needles, they had to be new, clean and sterile...no sharing. I'm sure thats how they did it on the street, sharing, and when sharing needles, disease spreads fast.

Why did I buy them needles? Concern for their saftey and health, and the saftey/health of others. It was NOT my intention to encourage the use of the drugs.

Did I see this as supporting their addiction? THis is a hard question to answer, but yes, to a point. They had an addiction, I thought I could help them (boy was I wrong!!) I think I mentioned in the other post i tried to get them to go to a drug place in the area- they didnt go. Again, by buying the needles it was NOT my intention to encourage their usage at all. It was to help keep them safe and healthy. Had I not bought them the needles, they would still be sharing endangering themselves. I couldnt stand on the sidelines and just stare and do nothing.

When I bought them the needles the first time it was when I saw them using it over and over, then when I did not bring some more home later, they were pissed, punched me in the stomach.

I did what I thought was best for them at the time. If they were going to use drugs, they would have to do it with a clean, sterile needle. no sharing!! Looking back, not used to being around people who use drugs/alcohol I think I did my best. I defenetly did things wrong, made mistakes, and it nearly cost me my life, but I did my best to help them, especially my own mother. And I'm still here.

Anthony made a good point about saying something along the lines of "if you do drugs in this house, youre outa here" It wasnt that, it was stated better but that was the jist. HAd i had more confidence in myself maybe i could have done that?? I'm not sure. I think Ide be afraid of the consequences, but I could call the police from public phone. MAny mistakes, but learned alot about myself and life in general.

I did not follow the post and responses from where this originally came from. This is just my opinion about needle exchange programs. As a person that worked for one (I am an advocate and outreach worker for many causes), I fully believe in the necessity of needle exchange programs. I do not feel that providing needles enables a drug addict. If they are addicted, they need clean ones to safely use, otherwise they will unsafely use. At that point, they don't have a choice. It is merely a basic harm reduction technique, to provide clean needles, water, cottons, and even to suggest or to provide clean drugs where that is legal (not anywhere here in the US). Addiction is a very real illness and is not controllable in any way when a person is dope sick (needing dope). It isn't when they are in great need and suffering from untreated withdrawals that one gets all 'tough love' on them. This is the time to help them be safe.

Providing clean needles helps curb the spread of infectious diseases, like HIV/AIDS and Hep C, as well as MRSA.