MYOPIC DOCTORS

I refer to the study in the Herald (July 5) which showed mixed results in
the use of Naltrexone against opiate addiction. The one clear result from
the study is the demonstration, yet once more, of the myopic view of the
medical profession. When will they learn that theirs is not the only
healthcare profession relevant to drug therapy?

Drug addiction is primarily a function of the individual's
cognitive-behavioural processes, or simply put it is more psychological
than medical. The addiction is fed by the environment, the sellers in the
street, the media articles which show that more and more people are joining
the addicts' ranks.

As a psychologist treating opiate-addicted clients, including many from
within the Greek community, I find that successful treatment requires the
use of motivation assessment, Naltrexone and counselling.

Naltrexone detoxifies the organism from opiates overnight, significantly
lessens withdrawal symptoms and protects the organism from the effects of
heroin should the client fall to temptation before counselling changes
behaviour. Rapid detoxification enables counselling to begin while the
addictive behaviour is still fresh in the client's memory.

The weekly psychotherapy sessions run for more than six months and include
the family and other significant persons.

The success rate over 18 months is at this stage near 100 per cent and
should be compared with the "revolving door" results of traditional approaches.

John Jacmon, Registered psychologist, Sydney