THE federal opposition has rubbished the Greens' plan to explore the use of Naltrexone, a drug used to help alcoholics and heroin users, for problem gamblers as a ''hare-brained'' idea that masked a ''totalitarian'' approach to policy.

But Greens senator and public health doctor Richard Di Natale's proposal for a trial of the drug for gambling addicts has won support from the Australian Medical Association and gambling reform advocates.

Greens Senator Richard Di Natale. Credit:Pat Scala

The Age yesterday revealed a Greens call for a trial of the drug Naltrexone - currently on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme - to help problem gamblers.

Senator Di Natale said there was a growing number of small studies that found Naltrexone efficient in reducing addiction. The policy discussion paper also called for GPs to be trained in identifying problem gambling and the issue to be tackled in the public health sphere.