I am well aware that addicts don't just quit my simply using will power. If it were that easy, addiction wouldn't exist. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict and have been a substance abuse counselor for over 30 years. For an addict to learn how to live sober, it takes commitment and a willingness to go to any lengths. The only thing that can instill the necessary level of commitment are the consequences of the addiction. By eliminating a possible consequence they are eliminating a reason to change. I'm not totally against these programs but they are not a solution. I have had many clients who used these services and the majority of them stated that it only made things worse because it was so convenient and the fear of disease was gone. Some of them actually said that it completely eliminated any thought of getting clean. The locations where the clean needles are provided are also havens for drug dealers.