Pubdate: Thu, 27 May 1999
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Fax: +61 8 94823830
Author: Dr A. Byrne

IS IT LIFESAVING?

It seems that Dr George O'Neil does not like Health Department criticism of
his heroin treatments (The Issues, 24/5). By prescribing naltrexone to
addicts who have not yet detoxified he is giving a treatment which is not
approved or validated scientifically.

Can he demonstrate that his novel quick-detox recipe is safe and effective?
Methadone is appropriate for some addicts, naltrexone for others. As given
by WA GPs, methadone reduces mortality by 75 per cent. Does naltrexone
treatment save lives?

Dr A. BYRNE, Redfern, NSW.

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