SPONSORS TO HELP ADDICTS DRY OUT

THE Australian Medical Association has backed calls by Perth Naltrexone
pioneer George O'Neil for public sponsorship of heroin addicts trying to
kick the habit.

West Australian AMA president Rosanna Capolingua-Host said yesterday
sponsoring an addict was a chance for people to help those in need in our
"own backyard".

"This is one way of being able to contribute and help someone who needs
it," said Dr Capolingua-Host.

Dr O'Neil, who pioneered a Naltrexone program in Perth, which is treating
up to 100 people a month, says many addicts are keen to get better but
can't afford the treatment.

He is asking for people willing to make a $10-a-week commitment for a year
to help make up the costs of treating those addicts. Donations would be
tax-deductible and sponsors did not have to have any contact with the addict.

But he said the sponsorship could mean an enormous difference to the
cash-strapped program, which operates with the help of dozens of volunteers.

"We try to be in a position to never refuse treatment," he said.

In a new book, Heroin Crisis 20 Key Commentators Discuss the Issues and
Debate Solutions to Heroin Abuse in Australia, which is to be launched
tomorrow, Dr O'Neil says "next time you think of heroin trials ask yourself
if you want to see recovery from disease in the shortest possible time or
do you want that 20 year old to be an addict for another 20 years?"

Naltrexone allows rapid detoxification for heroin addicts.

The drug, which is taken in tablet form, competes for the same brain
receptors as opiates, and quells the effects of heroin.

Most patients need seven days of intense treatment and then ongoing care
and medication for up to a year.

Dr O'Neil claims to have achieved a high success rate in his program and
the State Government has donated $130,000 for a scientific trial of the
treatment program.