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As many of you will know I am a strong advocate for harm reduction and have been for many years. Past history has shown a complete breakdown between harm reduction and abstinence – mainly because there has been a strong abstinence movement in Ireland which does not recognise harm reduction models.
Reflecting back, I question what exactly is harm reduction? Are we as workers too ready to accept the position the client is in and work on the immediate issues of reducing harm to the client? Do we as workers see harm reduction and 12 step recovery on the same continuum – or do we see the models as polar opposites?
I believe there is a danger of workers either side not recognising the strengths of both models.
I have recently completed a placement in a treatment centre and I suddenly witnessed the process of recovery first hand and the huge obstacles people face in recovery.
Working in the area of harm reduction/stabilisation had blinded me (which it shouldn’t have). Processing this through I have seen the need for individuals in recovery to celebrate their recovery. This is new territory for me as suddenly I see recovery in new light
This is the headline I woke up to this morning. Sitting here and I am raging. I am so angry.
When the Ireland was one of the wealthiest EU countries, they squandered their wealth on public sector pay rises and gave the impression that they were supporting those organisations, agencies working in the area of adiction.
I am ashamed of my country. It’s criminal the length of time people are waiting for methadone treatment. So let me break it down:
Cork, wait time is nine months and 95 people are waiting.
Carlow, the wait time is seven months and 31 people are waiting.
Athlone, the wait time is five months with 97 people waiting.
City centre clinic in Dublin, 33 people can expect a waiting time of up to 27 weeks.
Waterford, a person must wait two years to get on a methadone maintenance programme. There are 40 people on the waiting list there.
Where are we going?
The waiting times seem to be up and down, improving in some areas but certainly deteriorating in others. The waiting time in some areas is so long that addicts, once they want to get off the drugs, are saying there’s no point putting their names down.
So what the State is saying to people is that they want to engage with addicts and get them into treatment, but then when they do go seeking it, the State is saying ’Go back out and use illicitly because we can’t give you a service yet.’
Currently under Section 9A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it prohibits the distribution of foil.
I believe that the distribution of foil is necessary in harm reduction and in a number crunching environment those who distribute foil will obviously come in contact with non-injectors, thus increasing the interaction between the service and clients.
More importantly research does show that if foil is avaliable people do switch over from needles. It would be great to hear from others who are involved.
OK, this isn’t actually a blog per se, this is a press release…
I would like to inform you of the launch of the Irish Needle Exchange Forum, Ireland’s first dedicated online resource for those working in the field on needle exchange services, those using the services, and those with an interest in the subject.
The resource is to be dedicated to the particular needs of service providers and service users in Ireland whilst joining as resource partners with the National Needle Exchange Forum in the UK, Exchange Supplies, and the International Harm Reduction Association.
The website provides up-to-date relevant news, and direct access to relevant websites and resources for those working in needle exchanges.
The INEF exists to actively develop, support, and sustain a network of high quality, comprehensive needle exchange services across Ireland by establishing and maintaining a communication network for members of the forum.
The forum aims to provide those working within Needle Exchanges and related fields in Ireland with a platform to initiate open, informed discussion and debate, and to raise concerns and issues to move forward Needle Exchange services and to identify and promote good practice in the development and delivery of needle exchange services.
Needle exchange programmes have proven to be an effective harm-reduction measure that reduces needle sharing, and therefore the risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission, among people who inject drugs.
Membership is free and we encourage anyone connected with Needle and Syringe Programmes, or anyone working in the field of addiction to become a registered member. This includes managers, front line staff, suppliers, volunteers, service users and workers in connected fields.
For further information please feel free to contact us
Amanda Burrows
Annemarie W
Chrisg
David Clark
Jo
Mark Gilman
Michaela
PeaPod
Sarah Davies