Pubdate: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 Source: Canberra Times (Australia) Contact: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/ Author: Gabriele Bammer and Bob Douglas PM CAN'T UNDERSTAND ABOUT DRUG TRIAL THE PRIME Minister's most recent comments about the proposed ACT trial of heroin prescription (CT, February 13, p.7) indicate that he has not been correctly informed about the research that recommended the proposal. We are sure that the Prime Minister would agree that a rigorous scientific foundation for a trial is essential and we strongly agree with him that science alone is not enough. Indeed the four-year feasibility research conducted by the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University and the Australian Institute of Criminology was unique in that it carefully documented the potential risks associated with heroin prescribing, as well as examining potential benefits. This was done by extensive consultation with police, a broad range of service providers, drug users, ex-users, parents, researchers and policy makers and by undertaking national and ACT community surveys. We made it our business to seek out opponents of heroin prescription so that their views could be fully taken into consideration. Our final analysis was that the potential risks could be minimised. Heroin prescription alone will not solve the massive problems associated with illegal drug use, but only trials will tell us if it is a piece of the solution. Experience in Switzerland and the United Kingdom suggests that there are real benefits. We have not yet been given an opportunity to present the results of our feasibility research to the Prime Minister and would greatly appreciate an opportunity to do so. GABRIELE BAMMER BOB DOUGLAS Acton - --- MAP posted-by: Patrick Henry