Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 Source: Australian, The (Australia) Copyright: News Limited 1999 Contact: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/ Author: Natalie O'Brien SPONSORS TO HELP ADDICTS DRY OUT THE Australian Medical Association has backed calls by Perth Naltrexone pioneer George O'Neil for public sponsorship of heroin addicts trying to kick the habit. West Australian AMA president Rosanna Capolingua-Host said yesterday sponsoring an addict was a chance for people to help those in need in our "own backyard". "This is one way of being able to contribute and help someone who needs it," said Dr Capolingua-Host. Dr O'Neil, who pioneered a Naltrexone program in Perth, which is treating up to 100 people a month, says many addicts are keen to get better but can't afford the treatment. He is asking for people willing to make a $10-a-week commitment for a year to help make up the costs of treating those addicts. Donations would be tax-deductible and sponsors did not have to have any contact with the addict. But he said the sponsorship could mean an enormous difference to the cash-strapped program, which operates with the help of dozens of volunteers. "We try to be in a position to never refuse treatment," he said. In a new book, Heroin Crisis 20 Key Commentators Discuss the Issues and Debate Solutions to Heroin Abuse in Australia, which is to be launched tomorrow, Dr O'Neil says "next time you think of heroin trials ask yourself if you want to see recovery from disease in the shortest possible time or do you want that 20 year old to be an addict for another 20 years?" Naltrexone allows rapid detoxification for heroin addicts. The drug, which is taken in tablet form, competes for the same brain receptors as opiates, and quells the effects of heroin. Most patients need seven days of intense treatment and then ongoing care and medication for up to a year. Dr O'Neil claims to have achieved a high success rate in his program and the State Government has donated $130,000 for a scientific trial of the treatment program. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart