W. Bradford Wilcox

W. Bradford Wilcox is a doctoral student in sociology at Princeton University and editor of Regeneration Quarterly: A Forum for Orthodox Engagement. In the following viewpoint, he expresses his opposition to needle exchange programs (NEPs), in which intravenous drug users are given clean syringes in order to avoid the spread of AIDS through the practice of sharing needles. Such programs, he argues, encourage illegal drug use, provide a false sense of security to both addicts and public health officials, and fail to control the spread of AIDS. Illegal drug users should be given treatment to end their addiction, Wilcox concludes.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. On what criteria should needle exchange programs be judged, according to Wilcox?
2. According to Wilcox, what responsibilities does the community have with regard...