Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No. 1 2001
Drug treatment for opioid dependence
More Australians are becoming addicted to illegal drugs, particularly heroin. This puts their health at risk and causes many other social problems.
Drug addiction is difficult to treat. There are many different ideas about treatment, but using medicines can be effective. First of all the patient goes through detoxification. This is where the patient is not given any of the drug they are dependent on. When heroin is withdrawn the patient may experience unpleasant symptoms including pains, sleeplessness and diarrhoea for one to two days.
Some cases of addiction are managed with methadone syrup. This is also addictive, but it can stop a person needing to inject heroin.
Naltrexone blocks the action of heroin. It is a new medicine, but may not be as effective as methadone. Like methadone, naltrexone should be part of a treatment program. Just giving these medicines will not help the person deal with their other problems.
Using medicines to treat drug addiction requires close supervision. Not all general practitioners can supply these treatments, but they will be able to advise on local Drug and Alcohol Services.
