Pubdate: Tue, 06 Mar 2001 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2001 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: +61 8 94823830 Website: http://www.thewest.com.au Author: Jill Rundle Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n362/a07.html?41810 I AGREE THE recently released research and your report (1/3) on the safety of naltrexone as a treatment option for heroin dependants verifies some of the concerns held by the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies, the peak body of alcohol and drug agencies. The strong, but not necessarily objective, advocacy of naltrexone as the ultimate answer for all heroin users, and society's resultant problems, is unrealistic. Any relapse after a period of ceasing heroin use, whether with the assistance of naltrexone or otherwise, increases the risk of overdose or death. Family members and users need to be fully aware of these heightened risks before treatment. Treatment programs have to be comprehensive, addressing all aspects of drug dependency, to be effective and to ensure reduced harm. Naltrexone is a valuable addition to the treatment options available. As the research of Dr Fellows-Smith and Dr Edwards indicates, it is a suitable option for only 10-15 per cent of opiate-dependent people. Responsible interventions are not based on the philosophy of "I cannot turn anybody away", but rather predicated on "is this the best approach for this individual or would they benefit more from another approach"? JILL RUNDLE, director, WANADA. - --- MAP posted-by: GD