Misdirected opposition: Evidence opposing “not in my back yard” arguments against syringe exchange programmes
Received 27 October 2009; received in revised form 26 January 2010; accepted 8 February 2010. published online 16 March 2010. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Background
Despite overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness, the establishment and maintenance of syringe exchange programmes (SEPs) in the US continue to draw opposition from community members, religious and political leaders, and law enforcement officials. One argument against SEPs is that they draw drug activity into the communities where they operate.
Methods
We use 8 years of survey data from participants attending an SEP in Chicago to explore this argument by reviewing responses (N=4827) to a question asking participants the main reason they spend time in the area.
Results
Findings show far more participants come to the area to buy drugs (60%) than to exchange needles (3.8%), and differences exist by ethnicity. More whites than blacks or Latinos reported being in the area primarily to buy drugs and use the SEP.
Conclusion
Re-directing opposition from SEPs to constructive ways of addressing fundamental causes of drug markets is recommended.
ABSTRACT
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