HEROIN ADDICTION

Rex Jory's column (The Advertiser, 14/12/98) points up an ever-present,
ever-increasing problem around the world - and Australia is one of the
worst hit. Heroin addiction is increasing, not diminishing.

Mr Howard's "tough on drugs" does not work. The drug lords are making
billions at the expense of human suffering.

I have no argument with the public disposal of needles. Otherwise, those
needles will be on the ground where they are a danger.

Methadone does not wean patients off heroin. It is an addictive opiate and,
in most cases, people on methadone take heroin as well.

However, Rex is quite correct in that politicians think it taboo to even
talk about the problem and as a result the public is not educated or
informed about the magnitude of the situation and how it should be tackled.

Education and treatment would go a long way towards coping with drug
addiction.

A major part of crime is a result of drug addiction. Our treatment centres
and prisons are Dickensian in their methods and approach.

Clean needles should be freely available both in public and in prisons to
stop the spread of disease.

We already have excellent treatment in the form of DrugAid. The procedure
is humane, effective and ultimately over 90 per cent effective, using
naltrexone. Yet I have heard from, many who've inquired from our official
institutions that they have been warned off naltrexone.

This drug has no serious side effects; it is non-toxic and non-addictive.
It closes off the receptors formed on the brain because of opiate intake
and stops the craving.

DrugAid can be contacted on (08) 8284 3585.

Lili BAKER. Wattle Park.