NALTREXONE NOT ONLY ANSWER

THE endorsement of Mardi McLean as a Liberal Party candidate for
Bundamba is commended for recognising that a history of addiction
does not preclude people from successful careers or community
leadership following rehabilitation.

However, to endorse Naltrexone as the only hope for heroin addiction,
(C-M, Feb 10) is misleading and can promote false expectations.

There are other successful heroin treatment and rehabilitation
programmes with proven outcomes, including Methadone, therapeutic
corninunities and residential rehabilitation programmes.

However, no programme is successful in treating all who have a heroin
addiction. Naltrexone has undeniably been the answer for some, as
have the other programmes. It is well recognised that we need a range
and a combination of options to meet the physical, social and
psychological needs of those with an addiction.

As yet, we have not seen the results of the Naltrexone trial in
Queensland. When they are released, we will have a better
understanding as to its value in treatment.