Myths vs Facts:
What people believe about Syringe Access Programs—and what the evidence actually says
We get it—SAPs can feel complicated. But the data is clear, and the reality might surprise you. Here’s what the research, the data, and the people on the ground tell us about harm reduction.
When it comes to harm reduction and Syringe Access Programs (SAPs), there’s no shortage of strong opinions. And that makes sense—substance use is a complicated issue that touches every corner of our community. But many of the things people believe about SAPs just don’t match the facts.
The truth is, SAPs are evidence-based public health tools. They save lives, reduce disease, and connect people to care. They also support families, protect first responders, and make neighborhoods safer. And no—SAPs don’t increase drug use.
Here are 12 common myths—and the
realities we all deserve to understand.
Myth 1: Syringe Access Programs encourage drug use.
Reality: No, they don’t. Dozens of studies show that SAPs do not lead to an increase in drug use. In fact, they often have the opposite effect—people who access these programs are five times more likely to enter treatment than those who don’t. Syringe Access Programs don’t encourage use; they provide lifesaving care, build trust, and create a bridge to recovery when people are ready. They prioritize survival, dignity, and safety so that recovery remains possible.
Myth 2: These programs are only for people who inject drugs.
Reality: Syringe Access Programs are designed to reduce harm for anyone who uses drugs, whether they inject, smoke, or snort. They also serve people seeking overdose prevention supplies, sexual health resources, or support for someone they care about. The services are broad for a reason: Substance use is complex, and our response needs to reflect that. SAPs exist to serve whole people, not narrow categories.
Myth 3: SAPs lead to more crime in the community.
Reality: The presence of a Syringe Access Program does not cause an increase in crime. In fact, research on several nationwide programs has shown that areas with SAPs can see decreases in property crime and drug-related arrests, or zero increases in violence compared to city areas or cities without SAPs. These programs reduce the presence of improperly discarded syringes, increase public safety, and help stabilize communities by connecting people to care instead of pushing them further into crisis.
Myth 4: These services are a waste of public money.
Reality: Syringe Access Programs are one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available. Treating just one case of HIV can cost up to $1 million over a lifetime, while treating an abscess through an SAP might cost as little as $146. Most SAPs are funded by grants and opioid settlement funds that are specifically allocated for harm reduction. These programs reduce strain on emergency services, lower healthcare costs, and save lives, making them a smart investment for everyone.
Myth 5: People who use drugs don’t want help.
Reality: Many people who use drugs do want help, but stigma, fear, and systemic barriers often keep them from reaching out. Syringe Access Programs provide a safe, respectful place for people to access support without being judged or pushed. These programs open the door to treatment, care, and healing, but they do so on the individual’s terms, with compassion leading the way.
Myth 6: Harm reduction just delays treatment.
Reality: Harm reduction doesn’t delay treatment; it keeps people alive long enough to consider it. Programs like SAPs meet people where they are, offering resources without pressure or shame. That connection often becomes the first step toward recovery. By building trust and offering nonjudgmental care, SAPs help people stay safer today and better positioned for change tomorrow.
Myth 7: Summit County doesn’t really need this.
Reality: Summit County has seen overdose deaths more than double since 2015. More than 70% of adults in the county say substance use has negatively affected their lives. This isn’t someone else’s issue—it’s ours. SAPs help respond to these realities with tools that work, in a way that strengthens the entire community.
Myth 8: Giving people syringes just enables them.
Reality: Providing sterile syringes doesn’t enable drug use, it enables people to stay alive. These programs reduce the spread of infectious illnesses like HIV and hepatitis C, prevent life-threatening infections, and offer care that keeps people connected. Enabling someone to survive and stay healthier is not the same as condoning their use. It’s an act of public health and care for our community.
Myth 9: If someone really wanted to stop, they would.
Reality: Substance use is rarely just about willpower. It’s often tied to trauma, mental health struggles, poverty, or lack of support. Syringe Access Programs understand that people need safety and support before they can make big changes. These programs don’t judge people—they help them stay connected, stay safer, and make change possible in their own time.
Myth 10: SAPs increase drug use in young people.
Reality: There is no evidence that access to harm reduction services increases substance use among youth. On the contrary, SAPs often engage young people with education, prevention, and early intervention tools that reduce long-term risk. Keeping young people informed and supported is a vital part of prevention, not a threat to it.
Myth 11: These programs aren’t safe for neighborhoods.
Reality: SAPs help make communities safer. They reduce the presence of used syringes in public spaces, connect people to care instead of leaving them isolated, and reduce the burden on emergency services. These programs foster relationships, support public health, and create safer conditions for everyone—including those who don’t use drugs.
Myth 12: I don’t use drugs, so this doesn’t affect me.
Reality: Substance use impacts entire communities—not just individuals. It affects our schools, emergency rooms, workplaces, families, and neighborhoods. When we invest in harm reduction, we’re investing in public safety, health equity, and compassion. Whether or not you use substances, this issue affects your community—and these programs help make it stronger.
Understanding changes everything.
Syringe Access Programs work. They save lives, reduce harm, and create real opportunities for healing and support. They’re rooted in evidence, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to feel safe, seen, and supported. Want to learn more about what’s happening in Summit County—and how we’re responding together? Sign up for updates to stay informed and be part of the change.
Compassion starts with understanding—and that first step starts with you.