Pubdate: Fri, 10 Sep 2004 Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU) Copyright: 2004 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274 Author: Anita Cugliandro Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04.n1271.a02.html 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin