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November 29, 2006
Waismann Method of Detoxification Under Anesthesia Launches Message Board to Help Consumers Navigate Challenging Waters of Opiate Dependence and Rapid Detox
New Site Developed in Response to Recent News Regarding the Safety of Rapid Detox
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 29, 2006 -- In response to recent reports questioning the safety of rapid detox to treat opiate dependency, The Waismann Method of Detoxification Under Anesthesia today announced the launch of www.rapiddetox.net, a new blog to answer questions from those considering the treatment and to offer a forum for people to share their experiences with the procedure. While a certain risk accompanies any medical procedure, recent news and historical perspective has inspired the Waismann Method team to educate potential patients about several steps that can be taken to ensure they are getting the safest and most effective treatment available, according to Clare Kavin, executive director of the Waismann Method.
The term "Rapid
detox" was once
used to describe a specific opiate dependence detoxification procedure
under anesthesia pioneered in Israel. As the treatment gained popularity
in North America and the public started seeing the success of the procedure
with a growing population of patients in need of medical treatment,
the term began serving as a catch-all for a number of procedures varying
dramatically in method and safety. When the procedure is not administered
correctly, however, the outcome can be dangerous. This came to light
on November 9, 2006 when two physicians at the Project Straight detox
facility in Troy, Mich., had their medical licenses suspended by the
Board of Medicine following allegations on their method of selecting
patients, failing to adequately monitor patients, insufficient post-operative
instructions, and lack of training and experience to conduct detoxification,
following death and complications with several patients that underwent
their procedure.
This is not the only situation where death and unnecessary suffering
of patients have resulted from alleged improper medical behavior in
conjunction with an opiate detoxification procedure. In 2001, a medical
license was revoked for seven deaths of detox patients in New Jersey.
More recently, in 2005 a Seattle doctor was investigated for the death
of a rapid opiate detoxification patient.
"It is unfortunate that rapid detoxification is under scrutiny because of the unsafe practices a few doctors followed," said Dr. Clifford Bernstein, medical director, Waismann Method. "As
a practitioner of the Waismann Method of opiate detoxification, I take all precautions
to ensure the safety of our patients. I hope that this recent news won't deter
patients from seeking reputable rapid detox methods to medically treat their
physical dependency."
Many suffering from dependency to opiates such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet,
Lorcet and heroin are looking for a medical treatment for their physical dependence.
In this case, rapid detox can be ideal. It is crucial for their safety, however,
that they properly research the doctors and facilities that they are considering,
as they would with any other medical procedure. Many doctors are using the term
rapid detox to refer to any medical treatment for opiate dependence. Recommendations
posted on the new Waismann Method's Weblog will help determine whether an authentic
rapid opiate detoxification is being performed and include the following:
- The rapid detox procedure must be administered by a board certified anesthesiologist in the intensive care unit of an acute hospital. Registered nurses should provide all pre- and post-procedure care.
- In advance of the procedure, extensive testing should be completed in order to determine if a patient is an appropriate candidate for the procedure. Tests should include chest X-Ray, EKG test, lab work and treadmill test if medically appropriate.
- Admittance to the hospital should occur of the day before the procedure for thorough observation of patient's dependency history, pre-examination and pre-treatment medication.
- After awakening from anesthesia, patients should remain under observation in the care of the hospital for at least 24-48 hours to ensure no complications.
- Following the procedure, patient should receive post-procedure medical follow up
"We hope the introduction of www.rapiddetox.net will
help give those interested in the rapid opiate detox procedure the
knowledge to make educated decisions about their treatment," Dr. Bernstein added. "We
are here to help those suffering from opiate dependency, so we want
to offer support as these people try to figure out which type of detoxification
treatment is best for their particular situation. Medicine is only
as good as the doctor who practices it, so we hope to help people find
the best doctors."
Kavin concluded, "We are saddened that those suffering from the
medical condition of opiate dependency are still falling victim to
misrepresented detoxifications. If the medical community would embrace
this ailment as the chemical imbalance it is, patients would not feel
the desperation to undergo unsafe treatments."
By visiting www.rapiddetox.net, people can get objective information from medical experts or just talk to their peers about opiate dependency and treatment options.
About the Waismann Method
Drs. Clifford A. Bernstein and Michael Lowenstein use the exclusive
Waismann Method of Neuro-Regulation to treat opiate dependency. Performed
in a hospital intensive care unit, the Waismann Method involves cleansing
the opiate receptors in the patient's brain of the narcotics while
the patient is under anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient
will experience no conscious withdrawal, and will be able to return
home within days. 75 percent of the prescription drug dependent patients
who are treated with the Waismann Method remain drug free after one
year.
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