Pubdate: Sun, 16 Jul 2000
Source: Sun Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 John Fairfax Holdings Ltd
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com.au/
Author: Kathryn Shine

DRUG HELPS MOTIVATED TO FIGHT ADDICTION

NALTREXONE is used to help people who have withdrawn from heroin stay off
the drug.

It is not a substitute. It stops heroin having its usual effect by attaching
to receptors in the brain to block the effects of opiate drugs such as
heroin and morphine.

In theory, people taking naltrexone are less likely to use heroin because
they won't experience the usual euphoria.

It can be dangerous when combined with heroin because people are
desensitised to the drug and may take more than normal. Hence, the risk of
overdose is increased.

Israeli doctor Andre Waismann pioneered the use of naltrexone to treat
heroin addiction.

He came to Australia in July 1997 to talk to health officials about the
treatment. Naltrexone was introduced in this country less than a year later.

Dr Waismann's technique was to administer the first naltrexone treatment
while the patient was under general anaesthetic.

They were then given naltrexone tablets to take daily for about a year.

Similar treatment methods are used here, though patients are not always
anaethetised.

Naltrexone is not associated with physical or psychological dependence and
rarely causes serious side effects.

Costs for treatment range from $200-$370 a month, according to the
Australian Drug Foundation.

Experience has shown people who are highly motivated to beat their addiction
and have a support network are more likely to benefit from the treatment.
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