When I lived in LA from 2000-2002, one of the main sites I went to to exchange needles was the one that was inside this really cool place known as the "hippie kitchen" - started by some older hippie-types, the needle exchange is -or at least when I was there it was-on Thursdays. You went up these stairs and a group from Homeless Healthcare LA would be giving bags of 12 outfits out to people who brought even as little as one used needle plus, in the bag you'd also get an assortment of items - some condoms, cotton, a little cooker, even these plastic containers of clean water, about 4 or 5 in one packet, you broke them apart on the side to get to an individual one, then you'd just put your needle in the top of the water holder and pull it out to get to it - pretty cool! And - yes, you're right - when you 1st went to that place or any LA needle exchange you'd be given this little business card sized card that had their info on it and maybe a certain id # or something (but you didn't have to put your name on anything) but since possessing paraphernalia is a misdemeanor, you were safe from any hassles with the LAPD, say, when you were taking your bag of clean rigs back to your place, or wherever and if you got stopped by the cops and had the needles, etc on you, you just had to show this card to them and 99% of them, I'm sure, wouldn't hassle you further, but any pig types that did give you a ticket or whatever - it didn't matter since these cards were negotiated w/the LA DA's office, so, if you ended up w/a paraphernalia ticket, any charge would be dropped by the DA's office. But - of course, these cards didn't extend to getting busted for drug possession, unfortunately! Anyway - this "hippie Kitchen" was a really nicely kept oasis right in the middle of the skid row area east of Los Angeles Ave to Alameda and between about 4th St and 7th or 9th sts. It was fenced in and either every day at lunch or on certain days they'd serve stuff like soups, bread and stuff to homeless people and people could just hang out in its peaceful little enclave, which seemed worlds away from the slum right outside the fences. I was also able to receive free vouchers (since I had no insurance at the time) to be able to get on 21-day methadone detoxes - which, of course, never worked, but they were good when you were stone broke and had no means of cash for a time - but after two or 3 of those, I talked to a guy there who told me about this treatment place in Pomona, CA (still LA county) that had this detox facility and while the adjacent treatment facility was a plush, posh expensive, but nice, long-term treatment place, there was an isolated "hospital"-style facility where you'd go to get clean from heroin, opiates/opioids and they even treated alcoholics, but with a different regimen than the opiate ones...I was able to get into the detox facility two different times - it worked 1st time for 3 months, but I slipped back & after another seven month run I went back and stayed clean for a year 1/2, then slipped again and since that last slip went on methadone maintenance & that was 9 years ago come Feb. 2013. Anyway, the detox was free for homeless - you had to 1st go to the homeless health care LA office and do some paperwork & sometimes there'd be a little waiting period, but I never had to wait very long. But I was stunned to be able to get there for free! When you get in, they right away (after initial intake BS) start you on this medication - a cup full of pills - the most important one was the clonidine (a blood pressure lowering pill) -they would not let any pts take any meds that were addicting -like benzos, opiates (pain killers, etc) or anything - even if they were prescribed! But the clonidine (4 of them for the 1st four or 5 days,) 4 times a day along with Flexaril, Vistaril, a multi-vitamin and maybe a Tylenol or something. Anyway, the clonidines were so strong that (and this was the idea) they'd put you out, so you would basically sleep pretty much through the first 4 days or so- you wouldn't go through the worst of the withdrawals -you'd be so doped up from the clonidine, etc that you'd be in bed, only to wake up to eat the plates of food they'd bring you. Then, once you came out of your stupor, you'd join the rest in the cafeteria to eat, participate in structured groups, etc. It was a very good way to get clean and by the time I left there I felt so good for the first time in a LONG time - colors were brighter, my head was clear, everything was more noticeable, etc. I'd recommend that to anyone who really wants to get clean but doesn't want to do the methadone thing. Unfortunately, though, like I said, I slipped up again and, because I would, I'm sure, keep going back to dope, I went on a maintenance methadone program, where I still am and I am doing great - haven't been on heroin in 9 years! No cravings, nothing - it keeps me well and I don't get all messed up. The only thing lacking from my life right now is any kind of structure. I'm on social security for depression and anxiety - really debilitating for me -especially the anxiety -so much so that I can't be around the people I'd need to be to work - plus my agitation level is too short-fused and I'd snap easily, even though my anxiety meds help.
welcome!
