One of the main problems is blood-borne illnesses and diseases, which are caused by heroin addicts who use the drug intravenously sharing their hypodermic needles with other drug users. By the 2000s, there was a painkiller epidemic occurring nationwide; individuals were traveling as far as Florida from across the country to see multiple doctors and get duplicate prescriptions, selling some on the street and making it incredibly easy for substance abusers to obtain opiates illicitly.Hoping to combat the painkiller epidemic, some laws were changed that made it harder for people to obtain duplicate prescriptions.

With two offices on either side of Greenville, we can now assist those in Easley and Spartanburg as well. Needle Exchange Specification. To make matters worse, other companies were releasing their own opiate painkillers in the hope of capitalizing on the growing popularity of OxyContin. However, rather than vaccines, needle exchange programs provide hypodermic needles and other needed paraphernalia to intravenous heroin users. And apologize for my aggressive driving. In many cases, they come close to or even exceed the number of needles distributed.The North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) provides a directory of needle exchange programs where users can enter a zip code, city, or state to find their nearest site.You can also visit your state’s or county’s public health or health department website for further information.We remain open and committed to providing critical addiction treatment. Those who are against needle exchange programs believe that this service encourages continued heroin use by providing addicts with an essential tool that allows them to continue using heroin. However, there have been numerous studies on needle exchange programs that have proven just how effective they can be. Unlike heroin assisted programs, however, needle exchange programs don’t typically allow heroin users to inject themselves with the drug on-site.

"Making the case for opposing needle exchange". But more importantly, they setup so that the locals can come and exchange their used needles for fresh clean needles. This specific number can vary depending on the person. The Vivent Health Lifepoint program provides free syringes and safer injection supplies to people who inject drugs, as well as safe disposal of used syringes. Skip to main content. Well, it’s actually a lot like it sounds. We are dedicated to harm reduction and providing judgement-free care to people who use drugs.Vivent Health is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Forum; International Forums; Global Forums; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. There are at least 221 needle exchange programs located nationwide. I have going to PMC for 4+years and have been treated very well and my pain levels have been reduced with pain meds, trigger point injections, and an occasional…"Every wonderful Tuesday Evening, at about 5PM, a unknown group of volunteers come out to the culdesac of east 12th st and 23rd ave here in Oakland.

Find support near you. This refers to trading in one used needle in exchange for a new one.AAC has the expertise, trained staff, and nationwide facilities to give you the best chance for recovery. The easiest way to find the location of your nearest needle exchange is to ask at your local pharmacy, which may actually have one, ask your doctor or look up your local Drug Action Team in the phone book or online. For example, some programs use the “one-for-one” approach. Many manufacturers began to make their drugs tamper-resistant, which meant it was incredibly difficult for individuals to abuse them. Home; Drugs A-Z; News; Help and advice. If you are looking for other syringe exchange services' locations and hours, click here.

These programs have been proven to reduce the harms of substance use to the individual and to the community.