The emergent impact of syringe exchange programs on shooting galleries and injection behaviors in three ethnically diverse Chicago neighborhoods

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of syringe exchange programs (SEPs) in three ethnically diverse Chicago neighborhoods on changes in injection risk behaviors and the settings in which they occur. Despite community diversity, findings show a trend away from large, traditional “cash” or “free” galleries, housed in neighborhood apartments or in abandoned buildings, to smaller, “cash” or “taste” galleries, located in drug associates’ residences or other spots requiring an injection drug user (IDU) to be known to others in order to obtain entry. The modification of IDUs’ injecting practices as a result of legal supplies of sterile syringes is described. Socioeconomic factors affecting shooting galleries, such as the rise of crack cocaine, gentrification, and community policing programs, are discussed. Impediments to SEP use and continuing risk behaviors among IDUs are addressed. Finally, recommendations for reaching greater numbers of IDUs with harm‐reduction information are outlined.