In other words, previous studies showed that needle exchange programs really do cause participants to curb behaviors regarded as risks for HIV transmission, such as sharing drug needles. But this study was the first to test the idea that such behavior modification would result in fewer junkies becoming HIV-positive. The researchers, from a university hospital in Montreal, recruited area dope injectors and randomly enrolled about half in a needle exchange program. Participants in such programs can bring used drug needles to participating centers, and exchange them free of charge for new needles. Supporters of the infectious AIDS model generally believe that such programs will reduce the amount of unsterile needles circulating among junkies, and that this will lead to fewer new cases of HIV-positivity.
Critics oppose tax dollars being used to facilitate self-destructive activities.
Some believe that narcotics themselves can cause AIDS conditions even when delivered by clean, HIV-free needles. Neither infectious nor noninfectious AIDS models offer a clear reason why this should be the case. In pursuing my PhD in Toxicology, I have become very interested in Peter Duesberg's book, Inventing the AIDS Virus , and his assertion that AIDS is more a disease of drug abuse than of HIV infection. It raises important questions that deserve serious consideration. I believe our multi-disciplinary team of molecular toxicologists, biostatisticians, and environmental health experts would receive him fairly.