FAMILIES BACK IMPLANT

PATIENTS of controversial Brisbane doctor Stuart Reece have reacted
angrily to a Medical Board of Queensland decision to ban his use of
naltrexone implants to treat heroin users.

Some have vowed to fly to Perth to receive the treatment from doctors
there.

Under special conditions imposed on Dr Reece, he must not insert any
further naltrexone implants and the board may enter Dr Reece's practice
at any time to conduct an inspection.

The board, acting under the Health Practitioners Act, ``reasonably
believes he poses an imminent threat to the well-being of vulnerable
persons and immediate action is necessary to protect the vulnerable
persons''.

Families contacted The Courier-Mail yesterday to express concern at the
loss of the treatment, which they said helped save loved ones from drug
addiction.

Marie Frances said implants helped her son, 24, kick heroin for six
months -- the longest time in eight years -- and he was due for another
implant today.

``There are kids out there who have been unnecessarily put at risk
because there are about 100 people around Brisbane who have the implants
in.''

Ms Frances said her son ``desperately wants to get off (heroin) but it
has a hold on him and this is the only thing which has worked.''

Ms Frances said Dr Reece was being persecuted.

It is understood Dr Reece will appeal the board decision.