'MIRACLE' DRUG TRIAL

THE controversial eight-hour heroin cure using the miracle drug
Naltrexone is being scientifically tested in Adelaide.

The effectiveness of the rapid opiate detoxification technique
performed under anaesthetic will be compared with the standard
detoxification treatment, which spans a few days.

Forty volunteers have already been subjected to detoxification in the
three-year research project.

And the researchers hope to recruit 100 more heroin-dependent adult
volunteers.

The trial co-ordinator, Dr Jason White, of the University of
Adelaide's Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, said
yesterday volunteers would receive either rapid detoxification under
anaesthetic or the standard treatment.

After the rapid technique was pioneered in Israel two years ago, it
was claimed to be "a 24-hour miracle cure" for heroin addiction.

Dr White said all volunteers would receive nine months' follow-up
treatment with free Naltrexone and their progress would be monitored
over 12 months.

The study would help decide whether the rapid technique improved the
outcome of Naltrexone treatment.

Naltrexone is an anti-opiate drug which blocks the cravings
experienced by addicts by displacing heroin from receptors in the brain.

The drug can now be prescribed by GPs to treat alcohol addiction and
prevent heroin users who have undergone detoxification from relapsing
to heroin use.

"However its use in rapid detoxification is not one of the approved
applications and is still experimental," Dr White said.

"Previous research and early results from the SA trial show Naltrexone
is beneficial for some people."

Of the 40 people who had already undergone detoxification, most had
been successful in establishing a daily pattern of Naltrexone use, he
said.

"While some have used Naltrexone for days or weeks only, others have
continued for several months.

"Some who have dropped out of the trial have remained abstinent from
heroin while others have relapsed."

The outcome of the study would play an important role in guiding
future use of the drug to help heroin users kick the habit, Dr White
said.

The university, Drug and Alcohol Services Council and Royal Adelaide
Hospital have been awarded a $500,000 State Government grant to
conduct the study.