One of the biggest problems in our society today is the rapid growth of drug addicts. This is because people abuse and abuse drugs, which can lead to drug addiction and dependence. Furthermore, the most abused drugs are psychiatric drugs such as cocaine and heroin, which can change the way people think, act and feel. Today, there are many programs established to help drug users and prevent the spread of disease. The Needle Exchange Program (NEP) is one of the programs that aims to reduce harm to drug addicts and innocent people. Furthermore, the implementation of needle exchange programs has become a discussion because it cannot help drug addicts but instead encourages them to use more drugs. In fact, needle exchange programs are ineffective in reducing the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infectious diseases; therefore, needle exchange programs should be abolished. Needle exchange programs are defined as a program intended to slow the spread of AIDS among intravenous drug users. It provides factual information and education to drug users and the community so that drug use has minimal negative impact. (Watson 1991: 14) The first needle exchange programs began to emerge across Europe in the mid-1980s and have become famous throughout the world. In Canada, NEPs officially opened in Ontario in 1987 and Vancouver in 1989, and as of February 1993 a total of 28 NEPs were operational. Today, there are more than 100 active NEPs across Canada, most of which get federal and provincial funding. Needle exchange programs aim to provide injections and encourage the use of syringes with sterile needles and other accessories for injecting drugs u...... middle of paper ...... dated August 6 in Norris Crescent Parkette. (Ellison) To conclude, although the main goal of needle exchange programs is to reduce the transmission of HIV and other diseases, they still fail to help the drug users they were intended to serve and prevent any injuries in the community. In fact, they encourage them to use more drugs, which could lead to overdose and death. Therefore, needle exchange programs should be abolished. Works Cited Watson, M. (1991). Harm reduction: why do it? International Journal or Drug Policy, Vol. 2, no. 5 pp 13-15Osborn, Bud., et al. Turn the shit up. First edition. Fernwood Publishing Co., Ltd.; April 1, 2010 Ellison, Marc. “Toronto Date Reveals Hundreds of Discarded Syringes” August 15, 2013. WebNeedle Exchange Programs. September 2003 WebFranciscus, Alan. HCV Advocate “Needle Exchange: A Public Health Issue.” April 2003