HLTH 252 Wk 3 replies - Essay Example

Due DISCUSSION RESPONSES Response to Allen I understand where you are coming from. At face value it appears that Methadone Clinics and Needle Exchange programs are condoning or endorsing continuous drug use. However, heroin is one of the most addictive substances and the withdrawals of discontinuing its use are incredibly painful and miserable. Fear of the detoxification process is so paramount in these addicts minds; none want to experience what is like to have to live without the heroin. However, taking Methadone helps these addicts avoid some of the worse physical withdrawals making their likelihood of successfully quitting the drug is more likely (Hubpages, 2014).

Does that mean that some users would not take advantage of the situation, of course; however, for those that take the opportunity to end their addiction it can be essential to their success. Needle Exchange Programs are definitely controversial, but their purpose is less about the helping the addicts instead helping innocent citizens. The majority of dirty needles discarded by addicts are tossed on park grounds, schools, gutters, and, even, people’s front yards. This makes them a potential threat to children who may come in contact with them.

Needle Exchange Programs do give clean needles to drug addicts, but they also make certain that old needles are properly disposed of and eliminating the likelihood that these addicts will spread contagious and lethal diseases (American Foundation for AIDS Research, 2012). So while I understand where you are coming form I have to say that I disagree with you; I think that the positive contributions outweigh the negative. Many drug addicts will stay drug addicts whether you give them needles or not, that said it is the rest of the public that must be considered.

REFERENCESAmerican Foundation for AIDS Research. (2012). Syringe Exchange Program Coverage in the United States 2012. Retrieved from http://www.amfar.org/uploadedFiles/_amfarorg/On_the_Hill/3_29_12_SEP_Map_FINAL.pdfHubpages. (2014). Methadone pros and cons. is mmt right for you?. Hubpages, 1. Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/hub/Methadone-Pros-and-Cons-Is-MMT-Right-for-YouResponse to Maria I complexly understand your position; what is the logic about treating drug addicts with more drugs and giving them fresh paraphernalia to continue to abuse drugs?

However, the reasoning is found in the ethical considerations that must be made for the sake of the public. The majority of dirty needles are discarded in our gutters, schools, parks, and sometimes our front yards. This places these dangerous and possible contaminated syringes directly in the path of innocent children. Some addicts will always be addicts regardless of whether or not you give them a needle or not. Needle Exchange Programs make certain that used and “dirty” needles are properly disposed of and that it can help to limit the passing of infectious diseases, like HIV/AIDS (American foundation for AIDS Research, 2012).

To be honest I see the Methadone Clinics and Needle Exchange Programs as necessary evils; they are not ideal solutions but they are attempting to protect the public the best they can. It is less about the users; it is about protecting the non-using public. Methadone Clinics make withdrawals less painful, which may encourage some heroin users to quit (Hubpages, 2014). That said having addicts switch to monitored dosages of a controlled drug is better than unknown addicts running wild throughout our neighborhoods and alleyways.

REFERENCESAmerican Foundation for AIDS Research. (2012). Syringe Exchange Program Coverage in the United States 2012. Retrieved from http://www.amfar.org/uploadedFiles/_amfarorg/On_the_Hill/3_29_12_SEP_Map_FINAL.pdfHubpages. (2014). Methadone pros and cons. is mmt right for you?. Hubpages, 1. Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/hub/Methadone-Pros-and-Cons-Is-MMT-Right-for-You