Pubdate: Tue, 20 Jun 2000
Source: Illawarra Mercury (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 Illawarra Newspapers
Contact:  http://mercury.illnews.com.au/
Author: Lisa Carty

CALL FOR NALTREXONE TRIAL

An Illawarra public hospital should be among those earmarked to treat drug
addicts with the heroin-blocking drug Naltrexone, according to a regional
lobby group.

Former Kiama MP Bob Harrison, a group spokesman, said last week's
announcement that the treatment would be available through some public
hospitals was fantastic.

His group - SAINT, or Supporting An Illawarra Naltrexone Trial - would now
step up efforts to lobby Health Minister Craig Knowles.

Last week Special Minister of State John Della Bosca announced that NSW
would become the first state to approve the use of the controversial
detoxification drug in public hospitals. He said Naltrexone's introduction
into the public system would provide an alternative solution and would be
monitored closely.

Mr Harrison, whose group met Mr Knowles earlier this year, said SAINT
members were elated by the news and would keep the pressure on the State
Government.

"The Illawarra needs a drug rehabilitation facility which offers Naltrexone
treatment as well as counselling and support," Mr Harrison said.

He has been an advocate of Naltrexone and the associated rapid
detoxification since seeing its use in Israel - where it was pioneered - in
1997.
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