It may be more appropriate for you to educate him about how to find access to sterile syringes on his own. If there are syringe programs in the area, or over the counter sale of syringes is legal in your state, that might be a more comfortable option for both of you.

It may be illegal for you to directly supply him with a syringe, so that is something to consider too.

This is obviously a personal decision.

Would I tell someone I loved that it is important to use a syringe only once and safely dispose of it. I would. Would I tell them where they could find access to syringes and other safer injections supplies? I would. Would I drive them to a syringe exchange program. Yes. Would I drive them to a pharmacy and give them money to buy syringes? Yes.

I’m sharing that just for information, not because I think that my approach is necessarily the right answer for you or any other parent.

As you know, I run a program for people who inject that includes a syringe exchange program. So I have had time to think this through, gain experience, and observe results. I am also not the parent of any of the syringe exchange clients. Parent status brings a whole other dynamic to the situation, although for me I think the result would be the same.

Part of the reason I posted on this story, is because I think it is important for people who are new to the idea of syringe exchange to understand that this is not a fringe idea. It is accepted by the informed mainstream. Just ask Sister Maureen!

Yet, I can see the controversy. Would I supply my son with a clean needle? No. So how can I be for this if I would not do that? I guess when its your own loved one it seems like your condoning it.