NALTREXONE TRIAL DECLARED A SUCCESS

The head of a one-year trial of the use of the drug Naltrexone as a rapid
detoxification treatment says it has had a large success rate - with 60 per
cent of addicts staying off heroin for six months.

The trial at Westmead Hospital involved administering the drug to 160
people under full anaesthetic and providing follow-up counselling.

The results of another trial sponsored by the New South Wales Government
involving a smaller number of addicts without the use of anaesthetic are
yet to be released.

Dr John Currie, who is presenting his results at a forum today says
rehabilitation programs are the key to the success of the drug.

"The further you are away in the country for instance the less success you
have in terms of the rehabilitation program," Dr Currie said.

"The two go together - Naltrexone alone without a rahibilitation program is
not particularly good, rehabilitation programs without the Naltrexone
aren't particularly good.

"The point is that you need a specific rehab program combined with your
Naltrexone and together the two can in fact deliver quite a good outcome."

Dr Currie argues the drug should be listed on the Federal Pharmecutical
Benefits scheme to make treatment more accessible to the less well-off.

However, the maker of the drug was last month refused permission to have
the treatment listed on clinical and economic grounds.

The director of Alcohol and Drug Services at St Vincent's Hospital, Dr Alex
Wodak, says this study should also be treated with caution since it has not
undergone any peer review.