Frequently Asked Questions

 Source: (Lurie and DeCarlo, 1998) unless otherwise mentioned.

Q: Does sharing IV needles really spread HIV?

A: Yes. Over half of all new cases of HIV in the US occur among Injection Drug Users (IDUs). It is also the cause of infection for more than half the children born with HIV.

Q: Is this true in New Jersey?

A:  Yes. A report issued by The New Jersey Drug Policy Project states that around 46% of AIDS cases in New Jersey are related to injection drug usage. The state has the third-highest pediatric HIV prevalence rate (HIV/AIDS in New Jersey, 2002).

Q: If it’s so dangerous, why do IUDs share needles?

A: In most states, including New Jersey, possession of drug paraphernalia is illegal, so syringes are hard and dangerous to get and keep.

Q: Why can’t rehab programs be used in place of NEPs?

A: Unfortunately, many drug users are unready or unable to quit. Relapses at treatment centers are common. NEPs are often coupled with rehab information and support.

Q: Have NEPs really been shown to reduce AIDS?

A: Yes. A study of 81 of the world’s cities showed that in those cities with NEPs the HIV infection rate was shown to be decreasing 5.8% every year.  In those cities without NEPs, HIV rates were increasing 5.9%.

Q: Aren’t Needle Exchange Programs expensive?

A: No, they are cost effective. An average IDU would cost $9400, but they would avert an infection of HIV which would cost them $195,188 over their lifetimes.

Q: Doesn’t the convenience of needles provided by the NEPs increase drug usage and the number of IDUs?

A: No. No statistics showed an increase of drug use by persons involved in the NEP.  The use of drugs has reduced since the needle exchange program has been in effect. In San Francisco a study showed from 1987-1992 the injection of drugs declined from 1.9% to 0.7% per day and the usage of drugs dropped from 3% to 1%.  The percentage of new users has also dropped 2%.  Drug abuse and the recruitment of new or younger users did not increase in the presence of the exchange prevention program.

(Picture Source: http://www.vitalitymedical.com/picxl/BNDSyringe_gr.jpg)