Needle exchange programs are controversial harm reduction procedures that issue sterile needle to individuals who inject drugs. Specific programs object several programs of unsterile programs and provides an array of alternative services.  The primary aim of the needle exchange process in a hospital setting is to decrease the chances of acquiring diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. According to the report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9 percent of HIV infections reported each year, occur among those who inject drugs (Russell, 2018). The injection in drug use is also indicated to contribute to an increase in the infections of Hepatitis C. The paper discusses the pros and cons of needle exchange in the health care setting.

Pros of needle exchange

Several needle centers provide free testing for HIV and testing to promote acceptance and reduce the level of infection among individuals. HIV has become a menace in modern society, and the members of the society who are willing to know more about their conditions are minimal. Providing free services encourages every member to know about their status and look for possible alternatives to curb the effect of the disease (Russell, 2018). Needle exchange has essential benefits to those who have drug problems to acquire programs of treatment or to support groups with associated challenges.

Cons of needle exchange

The acceptance by HIV patients on the contraction of HIV sometimes can result in an increased rate of drug abuse. Certain individuals who have experienced the state of having HIV are always willing to forget the actual situation, and this can be only achieved through drinking alcohol and taking other illegal drugs (Sherman, Patel, Ramachandran, Galai, Chaulk, Serio, & Gindi, 2015). Another associated effect of increased drug use is the contraction of HIV among intensive drug users. Individuals who use drugs are not able to have moral conduct and will be willing to engage in immoral acts that result in the contraction of HIV. Because of the regular and consistent influx of addicts in a society, the locals often feel insecure. Drug addicts are always known of escalating social vices which results in insecurity among the members of the community.

 
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