The history of rapid detox is just one part of a much deeper history of the treatment for opiate dependence. Since the earliest days, drug treatment options were quite limited, and protocols primarily involved shame and suffering. Initially, people began noticing the adverse effects of opiate addiction during the American Civil War, when field doctors used morphine on soldiers to manage pain. Unfortunately, during that period, physicians were unaware of the addictive nature of opioid drugs. Consequently, soldiers remained on opiates for pain management for weeks, sometimes months, as they recovered from battle injuries. This extended opiate use led to a new condition termed “soldier’s disease,” which we recognize today as opiate addiction and dependence.
Upon cessation of opiate use, soldiers experienced terrible opiate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, shakiness, and body aches, which persisted for weeks. Today, healthcare professionals are cautious when prescribing this class of drugs. The opioid crisis has created tremendous awareness of the health risks, adverse life consequences, and risk of fatality associated with continued opioid intake.
Opioid Detoxification and Treatment – The Old Approach
Introduction of Methadone
German scientists synthesized methadone for use on their troops, and, in 1947, American pharmaceutical company Eli-Lilly began manufacturing the drug under the brand name Adolophine.
By the 1950s, doctors in the US were regularly using methadone to treat opiate addiction, and until the 1960s, little scientific research was done on this powerful narcotic. Additionally, with the resurgence of heroin, government officials viewed methadone as a viable treatment to manage heroin addiction. Methadone programs continued to expand into the early ’70s, leading the federal government to place specific regulations on its use. Finally, in 2001, these regulations were modified, and physicians were permitted to prescribe the narcotic for pain management.
The reality is that methadone is an opioid drug, and, in our view, many people end up trading one addiction for another. Fortunately, as Americans, we have the science and resources to provide people with a solution that includes freedom from drug dependence, an opioid-free life, and abstinence-based treatments for opiate addiction.
The purpose of most opiate treatment programs should be to help individuals become drug-free, and the first step towards sobriety is detoxification. The issue is that when people try to reduce or cease their opioid intake altogether, distressful physical and mental symptoms occur. These symptoms are part of a physiological response called “withdrawal syndrome,” which is a lengthy and arduous process to endure and one that keeps many people hostage, to their addiction. For that reason, scientists searched for more efficient techniques to ease and shorten opioid withdrawal. The result of this effort was the development of Ultra Rapid Opiate Detox. For many, this development turned a dream into a reality.
The Real History of Rapid Detox
Importance of Naloxone and Naltrexone
In the history of rapid detox, a pivotal point occurred in the 1960s, when researchers began investigating drugs that reverse various opiate effects. One of these drugs was Naloxone, an antagonist drug that counters the results of an opiate overdose. Naltrexone, the oral form of Naloxone, was also approved by the FDA in the 1980s. This drug works in the brain to prevent opiate effects while decreasing cravings.
Since the late ’70s, scientists have begun studying the combination of Naloxone with other sedative drugs. The idea was to accelerate the opioid detoxification process while patients were kept somewhat comfortable through the withdrawal symptoms.
Who Created Rapid Detox?
Although numerous doctors claim to be the pioneering mastermind of sedation-assisted detox, the reality is that their work is the result of many who’ve devoted their time, effort, and perseverance to finding an effective and humane solution for those struggling with opioid use. The development of rapid detox and its authentic history is a scientific evolution, as is the case with most medical procedures. In other words, each practitioner builds upon the work of their predecessors and peers.
Rapid Detox History
The first scientist to investigate the idea of an accelerated detox under anesthesia was Richard B. Resnick MD, who, in 1977, published a paper detailing the first procedures using Naloxone and clonidine. Shortly afterward, physicians began discussing anesthesia to reduce pain during rapid detox. In the ’80s, Norbert Loimer, MD, Ph.D., published a paper outlining opiate detoxification’s success under general anesthesia.
Dr. Resnick and Dr. Loimer’s early research are the foundation for all forms of today’s detoxification under sedation procedures. While physicians’ protocols significantly differ, they still adhere to the principles described in the early publications.f
Here are some of the earlier studies and clinical trials by the brilliant minds that made rapid detox possible:
Naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. A method for rapid induction onto naltrexone. Richard B. Resnick M.D.,Richard S. Kestenbaum Ph.D.,Arnold Washton M.A.,Doris Poole R.N.
Clonidine and Naltrexone. A safe, effective, and rapid treatment of abrupt withdrawal. D S Charney, C E Riordan, H D Kleber, M Murburg, P Braverman, D E Sternberg, G R Heninger, D E Redmond
The combined use of clonidine and naltrexone is a rapid, safe, and effective treatment of abrupt withdrawal from methadone. Charney DS, Heninger GR, Kleber HD. These scientists’ early efforts were the beginning of the true history of rapid detox.
Rapid Detox History Continues
In the 1980s, Dr. Legarda opened his first rapid detox clinic in Spain, and after that, many physicians across several continents followed suit. History continued as doctors developed rapid and ultra-rapid detoxification protocols. Although protocols varied, they all involved the administration of an opioid antagonist like Naltrexone or Naloxone, clonidine, or other medications after the patient was under anesthesia.
Rapid detox has gained tremendous popularity in the last decade, becoming the preferred treatment method. The primary reason is the ongoing opioid crisis, with the added benefit being that the procedure allows doctors to induce and accelerate opioid detoxification. At the same time, the patient sleeps under sedation, sparing the patient from experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Another benefit of this method is that the patient can immediately start Vivitrol or naltrexone, which significantly helps patients curb cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
Although rapid detox has evolved and the process is shorter and safer than its early protocols, there is still a significant concern for its safety and the responsibility of its providers. Waismann Method® is possibly the most recognized rapid detox center in the world. The main reason for its continued success lies in its directors’ experience, qualifications, certifications, and, more importantly, commitment to quality of care.
WAISMANN TREATMENT™ A Step Above All Others
In the late ’90s, Waismann Method® was established, named after its founder Clare Waismann. Mrs. Waismann is a Certified Counselor and Registered Addiction Specialist who strives to provide patients suffering from opioid use disorder with the most humane and effective solutions for their condition. Programs are tailored to each individual’s health needs based on science and proven results.
Waismann Method® is medically led by Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein, a physician with four board certifications, including addiction medicine, anesthesiology, and pain management. In addition to the expertise of Dr. Lowenstein, patients have access to a team of multi-board-certified physicians, mental health professionals, and a group of recovery health professionals.
“By transforming a lengthy and painful withdrawal syndrome into one that happens in a couple hours while in the comfort of a private ICU room, we created a solution for opioid dependence that is more humane and much more effective than other archaic detoxification options.”
—C. Waismann RAS/SUDCC
Waismann Method World-renowned Rapid Detox
Clare Waismann founded the Waismann Method® in hopes of creating the most therapeutic and successful infrastructure available upon these early researchers’ knowledge. Rapidly, it became evident to Mrs. Waismann that, although detoxing a patient from opioids under anesthesia was an incredible achievement, it was not enough. Patients deserve better, safer, more thorough, and more individualized care. Additional pre and post-treatment care were thoughtfully implemented, allowing the Waismann Method to become the successful and recognized detoxification program it is today.
Although we understand the inherent need for a humane, safe, and effective treatment for opioid use disorder, we also understand that there are no miracles. Individuals are complex beings, and they also have different histories and needs. With that in mind, we carefully assess each patient and modify the treatment plan that best fits each patient’s needs.
It is essential to realize that rapid detox can be a safe and effective solution when provided responsibly. Below are some of the exclusive benefits we offer our patients and a few reasons we are known as the” Best Rapid Detox Center” worldwide.
Waismann Method Treatment Constitutes of:
- A private full-service JCAHO accredited hospital.
- Access to medical experts with various specializations.
- Private rooms.
- Quadruple Board-Certified Medical Director with the nation’s most extensive anesthesia-assisted detox experience.
- Over 23 years of reputation of excellence.
- Several medical opioid detoxification options.
- Around-the-clock professional care.
- 2 to 4 days inpatient hospital stay.
- Inclusive 2 to 7 additional days stay at our private recovery center.
- Integrative recovery therapies.
- Individual psychotherapy support during and post-treatment.
- All food, lodging, transportation, and companionship.
If safety and effectiveness are your priority, Waismann Method® is the best Rapid Detox Center you will find. Waismann Method® is available only in Southern California.
