NALTREXONE NO MIRACLE

Naltrexone is not a miracle cure for heroin addiction. It has had 20 years
of clinical use with only modest success in the published literature.
Patients who are highly motivated and come from white-collar backgrounds,
such as lawyers, doctors and nurses, do best on this treatment.

The hype associated with rapid detox has clouded rational judgment of
Naltrexone.

For a drug user's family to provide finance for this treatment, often
costing up to $9,000, creates an expectation that is only occasionally
fulfilled.

Results from clinics showing phenomenal success rates should be viewed with
suspicion. To see patients who have entered a revolving door of expensive
detoxes is heartbreaking.

Heroin dependence is a chronic relapsing illness.

At best, Naltrexone is another treatment to consider in an area of medicine
that, to date, has not had much to use.

Dr Raymond Seidler, Kings Cross.