Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Rapid Detoxification Program

Other detoxification centers simply substitute one legal dependency for another. They offer replacement-opiate treatment with Methadone or Suboxone (Subutex). These drugs also contain opiates that could eventually require second detoxification. These substitutes cause the patient to go through the same withdrawals that they wanted to eliminate in first place.

1. Where is the detox procedure performed?

The Waismann Method of rapid detoxification is performed in the Intensive Care Unit at a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accredited hospital. There, experienced and specially trained staff monitors each patient closely.

Opiate dependency takes a toll on the body. It affects many of the bodily systems and it could cause organ damage. To protect the patient during detox, it is absolutely crucial that constant medical care is provided for the patient. Anyone seeking rapid detox treatment should ensure that the procedure takes place in a reputable full service hospital with a fully trained staff.

2. When is the patient admitted to the hospital?

The Waismann Method admits patients to the hospital at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. To ensure the safety of each patient, physicians must complete a patient’s full physical health evaluation in advance before beginning the process.

Patients dependent on opiates have developed a slower metabolism and changes in organ function over time. The digestive system, heart rate, blood pressure, and kidney function are frequently compromised. For the safety and success of the detoxification, doctors properly assess and pre-medicate patients prior to the procedure. Each evaluation differs based on health, physical condition, and opiate use. This assessment customizes the treatment to meet the specific needs of each individual.

Patients remain in the ICU for approximately 24 hours after anesthesia has been administered. This ensures the patient’s safety by having immediate access to any medical interventions that may become necessary.

3. What are the qualifications of the treating physician?

Our physicians are Board Certified Anesthesiologists and specialists in pain management, with extensive experience in opiate detoxification. Both Dr. Clifford A. Bernstein and Dr. Michael Lowenstein have helped the Waismann Method become one of the most successful treatment programs for opiate patients worldwide.

Our doctors administer the proper amount of anesthesia and opiate antagonist to the patient in the appropriate time frame, based on the patient’s individual medical and dependency history.

4. How long is the patient kept under general anesthesia?

Patients are kept under anesthesia from one to two hours. Over the years, our doctors have perfected the procedure to greatly minimize the amount of time under anesthesia. This reduces the risk of complications and withdrawal symptoms.

After pre-screening and pre-medication, our anesthesiologist performs the Waismann Method of Accelerated Neuro-Regulation treatment. While the patient sleeps comfortably under a light anesthetic, special medications facilitate the cleansing of opiates from the brain’s opiate receptors.

Either Dr. Bernstein or Dr. Lowenstein closely monitor the medically induced withdrawal. The accelerated withdrawal syndrome occurs within a period of hours, not days as with traditional methods. Upon awakening, the patient has no conscious awareness of experiencing the withdrawal process and is no longer physically dependent on opiates.

Patients remain in the hospital approximately 48 hours following the procedure, or until they are medically stable. Waismann physicians need to monitor each patient’s recovery and assess medical issues such as their pain level and any GI damage caused by opiate intake. The physician authorizes a discharge based on the patient's physical well being, not times set prior to the procedure.

7. What follow-up care is provided?

Following detoxification, the Waismann Method provides counseling with a psychologist specially trained in the field of drug dependence.

Patients may opt to continue their recovery at the Domus Retreat (www.domusretreat.com). This transition program will personally tailored a 7 to 28-day stay with intensive care from a specialized team. Psychologists, Anger managemnet therapists, physical therapists, acupuncturists and massage therapists work closely with each patient to aid recovery and ensure a healthy, drug-free life.

Our expert doctors have performed thousands of Anesthesia Assisted Medical Opiate Detoxification procedures for almost a decade.

Unfortunately, some rapid detox programs have cut corners on medical precautions and safety in order to offer a low cost procedure. These programs are very dangerous and put patients at an incredible risk. They have led to unnecessary medical complications and even preventable fatalities.

Patients should select a program that exemplifies the highest professional standards and rigorous attention to safety. The Waismann Method’s standards ensure each patient receives the safest, most effective treatment available to modern medicine.

9. Does the Waismann Method employ opiate substitutes like other programs?

Waismann patients fully detoxify from opiates. We do not prescribe opiate-based replacement drugs like Suboxone. It keeps users opiate dependent. We receive a large amount of patients from other “rapid detox” programs who subsequently need to detoxify, again..

10. When can I reach the Waismann Method staff?

Call (310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673) during business hours to answer all your questions about rapid detox for prescription drug addiction.

Or send us a confidential email. After-hours and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.