Syringe Services: Helping Drug Injectors Use More Safely is Beneficial

By Tom Horvath, PhD

This blog will publicize a recent blog post on syringe services from Nora Volkow, MD, the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). She states that:

Nearly 30 years of research show that providing testing, counseling, and sterile injection supplies to people who inject opioids and other drugs helps prevent transmission of infectious diseases, without increasing drug-related or other crimes in the vicinity. Contrary to worries that syringe services programs (SSPs) will encourage or promote drug use, evidence shows that they more often do the opposite, linking people with addiction to effective treatment and even helping prevent overdose deaths.

There is no scientist or professional who is more credible on this subject than Dr. Volkow. Her stance is noteworthy because she controls more drug research money (in the form of federal dollars) than anyone in the world, she is a “hard scientist,” and she may not have been as supportive of SSP’s as she is now (but she was persuaded by evidence).

In your conversations about how the US should address addictive problems, knowing Dr. Volkow’s position on SSP’s will help you counteract other views on the subject. Some view an SSP as promoting substance use and increasing problems. Dr. Volkow’s statement clearly indicates the opposite.

How to Have Such Conversations

Suggestions:

Give your companion the opportunity to fully express their opinions and concerns. Then summarize back to them what they said (this is “listening 101”). Even if you do not agree! You can begin your responses with words like “As you understand it…In your opinion…Based on what you have read or seen…It does not make sense to you that…You feel very strongly that…”)

Ask them what evidence they would need to see, or what authorities they would need to hear from, to consider another perspective. You might get an earful, so be patient! You might need to suggest that the conversation continue later.

You might at some point say, “I recently read a prominent scientist arguing in favor of more support for drug injectors. She persuaded me that syringe service programs are a good idea. They do cost money, but the research suggests they can do much more good than harm and save money in the long run. If I can find the quote, may I read it to you?”

If you happen to remember this blog, you could pull it up on your phone. Or, if you can remember the phrase “nora volkow syringe services” her article is the first hit on Google (at least for now). Or take a photo or screen shot now.

Good luck! Reading Volkow’s entire blog will boost your confidence about having these conversations, and show you just how much evidence Volkow’s opinion is based on.

Final thoughts

Drug injectors are not favored members of society. Nevertheless, many if not most already contribute to society (e.g., via the jobs they hold), and will do even more in the future, particularly with some targeted support now. At this holiday time of year, they are a group to keep in mind for our good wishes.

Liked this article? You might also be interested in: A Courageous Statement from Dr. Volkow.