CALL TO CHECK NALTREXONE

PRIVATE clinics claiming to offer a "magic cure" for heroin addiction
using Naltrexone should be subject to government regulation, the
inquest into Australia's first Naltrexone-related death was told
yesterday. Coroner John Arms found the death of 31-year-old addict
Larissa Hawkins was caused by a reaction to either the Naltrexone or
Narcan administered at a private hospital.

He criticised the doctors responsible for the fatal treatment early
last year, and the case will be referred to the Health Care Complaints
Commission for further investigation.

At Gosford Coroners Court on the NSW central coast, Mr Arms said the
federal Health Minister should ensure all clinics providing the
treatment are government-approved and licensed to stop those who may
be "motivated to exploit addicts".

In January 1999, Ms Hawkins paid $9700 in cash to the Sydney-based
Centre for the Investigation and Treatment of Addiction to receive the
Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification treatment at the Brisbane Waters
Private Hospital.

It was a last-ditch attempt to beat the addiction that had been
plaguing her for more than four years.

Ms Hawkins died of acute anoxia and heart failure caused by pulmonary
oedema or fluid in the lungs the morning after receiving treatment.

It is the first time the controversial Naltrexone treatment has been
linked with pulmonary oedema.

The NSW Government approved the use of Naltrexone for the
detoxification of heroin addicts on Tuesday, and at least three
private clinics are offering the treatment in Sydney, while others
operate in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Ms Hawkins's parents welcomed the coroner's findings.