Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 Source: Australian, The (Australia) Copyright: News Limited 2000 Contact: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/ Author: Annabel Mcgilvray CALL TO CHECK NALTREXONE PRIVATE clinics claiming to offer a "magic cure" for heroin addiction using Naltrexone should be subject to government regulation, the inquest into Australia's first Naltrexone-related death was told yesterday. Coroner John Arms found the death of 31-year-old addict Larissa Hawkins was caused by a reaction to either the Naltrexone or Narcan administered at a private hospital. He criticised the doctors responsible for the fatal treatment early last year, and the case will be referred to the Health Care Complaints Commission for further investigation. At Gosford Coroners Court on the NSW central coast, Mr Arms said the federal Health Minister should ensure all clinics providing the treatment are government-approved and licensed to stop those who may be "motivated to exploit addicts". In January 1999, Ms Hawkins paid $9700 in cash to the Sydney-based Centre for the Investigation and Treatment of Addiction to receive the Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification treatment at the Brisbane Waters Private Hospital. It was a last-ditch attempt to beat the addiction that had been plaguing her for more than four years. Ms Hawkins died of acute anoxia and heart failure caused by pulmonary oedema or fluid in the lungs the morning after receiving treatment. It is the first time the controversial Naltrexone treatment has been linked with pulmonary oedema. The NSW Government approved the use of Naltrexone for the detoxification of heroin addicts on Tuesday, and at least three private clinics are offering the treatment in Sydney, while others operate in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. Ms Hawkins's parents welcomed the coroner's findings. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek