Sallies Welcome New Anti-Alcohol Addiction Drug

The Salvation Army is welcoming Pharmac’s decision to fund the drug naltrexone as a step forward in the treatment of alcohol addiction in this country.

Salvation Army Addictions Manager Lynette Hutson said that naltrexone will be a valuable new tool in the Army’s work with people suffering from addiction to alcohol. The drug works by reducing addicts physical cravings for alcohol. It is already in use in other western countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States.

‘The drug is not a magic bullet solution to alcohol addiction, but overseas experience shows that it can be very effective when used in conjunction with a total treatment programme that addresses the underlying reasons for alcohol addiction,’ said Major Hutson.

Major Hutson said that The Salvation Army will use the drug in its Bridge programme, a nationwide network of addiction treatment centres. It will be prescribed by general practitioners attached to the Bridge programme when necessary as part of an individual’s treatment plan.

The Salvation Army cares for more than 1000 people every day for alcohol addiction problems, include those receiving residential and non-residential treatment, as well as those in aftercare programmes.

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