Michigan Detoxification Information

Michigan has a problem with the diversion and abuse of OxyContin and other opiates. Widespread diversion of these drugs makes them more available to people living in Michigan and other areas of the U.S. People who use these illicitly obtained drugs could have legitimate pain issues but have become dependent after prolonged exposure. Others may use these drugs recreationally. Demand for OxyContin has increased throughout the state. The Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) program reported in 2009 a 31 percent increase in the number of prescriptions being written for OxyContin. Authorities in Cheboygan County say at least 90 percent of law enforcement problems there are related to the drug. Heroin is considered a primary drug threat in the state. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said western Michigan has seen an increase in heroin abuse by young, middle class people in the suburbs. Much of this is attributed to people who are dependent upon OxyContin but turn to heroin due to economic hardship. Heroin is often cheaper and can be found in increasingly pure form.

The abuse and diversion of other prescription painkillers is also on the rise in Michigan. The DEA lists these as medications such as methadone and those containing oxycodone and hydrocodone (Lortab, Lorcet, Norco, Vicodin). Popular diversion methods include break-ins and robberies of homes and pharmacies, forged prescriptions, doctor shopping, theft from people who have legitimate prescriptions and people who sell parts of their legitimate prescriptions. The DEA said the Detroit Metropolitan Area has seen an increase in diversion by visiting physicians groups operated by drug trafficking organizations. These sophisticated groups recruit doctors and patients, often transporting the patients to doctors to obtain prescriptions. Some patients may receive some of the medication, while others turn over the entire prescription in exchange for several hundred dollars. The Internet also provides ease of access to prescription narcotics in Michigan and other states. Unscrupulous companies on the web offer these controlled substances, sometimes without requiring a prescription.

Waismann Method

The increase in diversion and abuse is reflected in the large number of Michigan residents turning to opiate treatment programs. Since 1997, the Waismann Method has treated thousands of people from Michigan and around the world that are opiate dependent. Most of these people didn’t set out to become this way. Many became physically dependent after legitimate use turned to development of a tolerance. Once use increases, the problem can quickly escalate. Waismann Method, located in southern California, offers the most humane, compassionate and discreet opiate treatment. We use non-addictive medications to cleanse the drugs from patients’ opiate receptors. This takes less than two hours and patients awaken a short time later from deep sedation, free of opiate dependency. Accelerated withdrawal means symptoms pass while patients are sedated. This eliminates the pain and suffering of withdrawal. Patients typically stay in the hospital 5 to 6 days and can be discharged after a medical evaluation. Some choose to return home while others check into our Domus Retreat aftercare facility for continuing recovery.

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