For nearly 30 years, the Waismann Method stood as the world’s leading name in medically supervised rapid detox. Known for its exceptional standards, individualized care, and clinical integrity, it transformed the way opioid dependence was treated, moving away from stigma and punishment toward science and safety.
While we are no longer offering direct detoxification services, Waismann Method continues to lead the field by providing education, professional training, public awareness, and guidance on safe and effective opioid detox options. The protocols we helped develop remain the foundation for responsible rapid detox programs worldwide.
Waismann Method was founded by Clare Waismann, M-RAS, SUDCC II, a recognized authority in the treatment of opioid dependence and one of the foremost voices advocating for medically sound and humane detoxification practices. Her vision was simple: provide people struggling with opioid dependence the highest standard of medical care, free from judgment, fear, and suffering.
Medically led by Michael H. Lowenstein, M.D., for over two decades, Waismann Method became synonymous with excellence in detoxification under sedation. Dr. Lowenstein—a quadruple board-certified physician—performed thousands of successful opioid detox procedures in a hospital setting, earning national and international recognition for both safety and efficacy.
Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein’s contributions to the advancement of medical opioid detoxification are widely recognized as transformative. As the former Medical Director of the Waismann Method, he helped set a new clinical standard for how opioid dependence should be treated in a hospital setting, with scientific precision, compassionate care, and the highest regard for patient safety.
A quadruple board-certified physician, Dr. Lowenstein brought a rare depth of expertise across multiple disciplines: Anesthesiology, Pain Management, Addiction Medicine, and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. This multidisciplinary background gave him a unique and comprehensive understanding of how opioids impact the brain, body, and nervous system, and how to safely reverse that dependence through individualized, medically supervised detoxification protocols.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Lowenstein personally performed thousands of advanced hospital-based opioid detoxifications, making him one of the most experienced physicians in this highly specialized field. His work earned respect from medical peers and institutions worldwide, not only for its safety record but also for the level of dignity and care it afforded to each patient.
His clinical protocols were designed with an uncompromising focus on safety and efficacy, and included:
Detailed pre-detox evaluations, including cardiac, liver, renal, and pulmonary assessments, along with full toxicology and lab workups
Customized detox plans tailored to each individual’s opioid type, dosage history, metabolism, and overall health
IV sedation techniques, eliminating the risks associated with outdated or invasive procedures
1:1 monitoring in a full-service, accredited hospital, ensuring immediate response to any unexpected physiological reactions
Neuroregulation strategies post-detox, such as the use of non-opioid receptor blockers like Naltrexone or Vivitrol to reduce cravings and promote neurological stability
Dr. Lowenstein’s work fundamentally shifted the perception of opioid dependence from a behavioral issue to a complex medical condition deserving of expert, hospital-level care. He consistently advocated for the rejection of one-size-fits-all or overnight detox models, emphasizing that true medical detoxification must be based on a deep understanding of each patient’s physiology and clinical needs.
He also played a critical role in educating other healthcare professionals, sharing his expertise through training and consultation to help improve detox protocols nationwide. His impact continues to guide physicians, addiction specialists, and treatment programs committed to responsible and medically grounded opioid detoxification.
Dr. Lowenstein’s legacy is one of innovation, integrity, and unmatched experience. The protocols and principles he helped develop remain a gold standard for medical professionals seeking to provide the safest and most effective care for individuals struggling with opioid dependence.
In an industry often defined by long-term maintenance, revolving-door rehabs, and short-term promises, Waismann Method offers a true medical solution. We don’t believe addiction defines a person, and we don’t believe people are destined to struggle forever.
We believe in science, in healing, and in giving people the opportunity to reclaim their lives—free from opioid dependence.
Patients were admitted to a JCAHO-accredited hospital at least one day prior to detoxification. During this time, the medical team completed:
Full diagnostic labs and toxicology screening
Cardiac, liver, and renal evaluations
Stabilization with IV fluids, electrolytes, and medications
Medication transitions for those on long-acting or illicit opioids
This pre-detox phase allowed physicians to understand the patient’s specific health status and customize the safest detox approach possible.
In a private ICU room, qualifying patients underwent detoxification under sedation using carefully titrated IV medications. Opioid antagonists were used to displace the opioids from their receptors, initiating a rapid detox process while the patient remained sedated.
This procedure:
Bypassed the overwhelming withdrawal symptoms
Reduced overall detox duration from weeks to hours
Provided 1:1 monitoring by experienced hospital staff
Importantly, the Waismann Method never used outdated or high-risk intubation techniques and avoided one-night, outpatient protocols that compromise safety.
No two opioid dependencies are alike. Patients came to Waismann Method with varying levels of tolerance, co-occurring conditions, and emotional needs. Instead of following rigid treatment scripts, each protocol was customized based on:
Type of opioid used
Duration and dosage
Patient metabolism and medical history
Existing medications or health complications
This individualized approach ensured safer, more effective outcomes and dramatically lowered the risk of complications.
The science behind the Waismann Method extended beyond detox. After opioid receptors were cleared, the focus turned to helping the brain begin the healing process. This involved:
Monitoring for symptoms of autonomic dysregulation
Supporting neurotransmitter balance
Offering non-addictive, opioid-blocking medications like oral Naltrexone or injectable Vivitrol (when appropriate)
These measures helped prevent relapse and allowed the brain to begin recovering its natural ability to regulate mood, reward, and impulse control.
Many programs advertise “rapid detox” without disclosing the real cost—both financial and medical. Some offer only one night of inpatient care, then release patients to hotel rooms or send them home without follow-up. Others charge additional fees for services that are essential to the detox itself.
The Waismann Method always emphasized that proper rapid detox includes:
At least one inpatient day prior to sedation for evaluation and preparation
ICU monitoring during the detox procedure
Observation and medical stabilization post-detox
Professional oversight to evaluate craving control strategies
Sadly, not all programs offering rapid detox—even at high cost—provide these essential services. Patients and families should ask detailed questions and understand exactly what is included before choosing a provider.
Not every individual struggling with opioid dependence is a candidate for rapid detox. The procedure is best suited for those who:
Are physically dependent on opioids (prescription or illicit)
Are in generally good physical health or are manageable within a hospital setting
Have not found success with traditional outpatient detox or long-term maintenance
Are seeking a medically grounded, opioid-free path forward
Candidates must undergo a full medical screening to ensure they can safely receive sedation-based detox. Education and transparency are essential to identifying whether rapid detox is the right choice.
Although Waismann Method no longer provides direct detox services, we continue to lead through:
We provide accurate, medically grounded information about the risks of unassisted withdrawal, the limitations of outpatient detox, and the science behind neuroregulation and opioid dependence.
Our goal is to help healthcare providers learn and apply safe detox protocols, avoid outdated models, and elevate the standards of care in their own facilities.
Institutions seeking the safest and most effective pathways to detox, we offer decades of insight to help navigate options and understand risks.
We support prevention and early intervention by sharing science-based content that counters stigma and promotes understanding of opioid use disorder as a treatable physiological condition.
The Waismann Method was never about shortcuts. It was about honoring the complexity of opioid dependence with a humane and scientific approach. While we no longer provide treatment, our responsibility to guide others toward truth, safety, and medical excellence remains.
Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein’s pioneering work lives on in the protocols and standards used by professionals around the world. Clare Waismann’s advocacy continues through every article, every consultation, and every educational effort we produce.
Opioid dependence does not define who a person is. With knowledge, support, and responsible medical care, individuals can reclaim their lives, and it all begins with understanding.
Visit the rest of this site to explore a comprehensive library of medically reviewed articles, educational resources, and expert insights into hospital-based opioid detoxification, withdrawal management, and neurobiological stabilization. Whether you’re seeking information on accelerated detox under sedation, non-anesthesia options, or safe transitions off opioids, opiates.com offers clear, science-based guidance to support individuals, families, and professionals.
Empower yourself with accurate, responsible information, grounded in decades of clinical experience and trusted worldwide.
Answer: Waismann Method is a medically supervised, accelerated detoxification process performed under sedation. It focuses on rapidly clearing opioids from the body while minimizing the intense physiological challenges of withdrawal. The process occurs in a hospital setting, where patients undergo thorough medical evaluation and monitoring to ensure safety. By addressing the neurochemical and physical aspects of opioid dependence, Waismann Method helps patients stabilize and transition more comfortably through detoxification. It is the most well-known and longest-running opioid detoxification under anesthesia in the USA.
Answer: Waismann Method is a medically assisted detoxification process performed in a hospital using protocols tailored to each patient’s specific health needs. While the program is world-renowned for opioid detoxification under sedation, there are several other medical options available, ensuring that every individual receives the most appropriate and effective treatment. This approach prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and long-term recovery, all under the supervision of an experienced medical team in a controlled hospital environment.
Answer: Yes, Waismann Method is widely regarded as one of the safest options for medical opioid detoxification. The procedure is conducted in an accredited hospital and is overseen by highly experienced board-certified medical professionals. This comprehensive approach ensures patient safety, minimizes discomfort, and provides the highest level of care throughout the detox process.
Answer: Waismann Method detox typically takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the patient's individual health, medical history, and the complexity of their opioid dependence. This timeframe ensures thorough medical evaluation, stabilization, and recovery in a safe, controlled environment.
Answer: Waismann Method is located only in Southern California, where it has been since 1998. The program offers detox services in a full-service, accredited hospital and provides post-care at a private recovery retreat, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the detox and recovery process. By concentrating in one location, Waismann Method ensures the best team and program available worldwide.
Answer: Yes, Waismann Method is the only accelerated opioid detox center that includes several days of professional post-detox care in a specialized retreat, offering a supportive environment for both physical and emotional recovery during the crucial first days after detoxification and throughout the adjustment period.
Answer: Candidates for Waismann Method are individuals experiencing opioid dependence who require a medically supervised or accelerated detox process under sedation. This approach is designed for patients seeking to safely manage the physical and physiological challenges of opioid withdrawal, ensuring stabilization and a smoother transition through detoxification. The Waismann Method is particularly suited for those who need comprehensive medical care to address both the physical effects of opioid dependence and the complexities of withdrawal.
Answer: Waismann Method stands out from other detox programs by offering a higher level of care, unparalleled experience, and a comprehensive range of services. Patients benefit from medically supervised detoxification in a full-service, accredited hospital, with tailored protocols based on individual health needs. The program also provides professional post-detox care at a private recovery retreat, ensuring both physical and emotional support. With nearly three decades of experience, Waismann Method delivers superior medical attention and patient care, unmatched by other detox programs.
Answer: Waismann refers to Clare Waismann, M- RAS/SUDCC II, the pioneering force behind Waismann Method, and Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein, the medical director. Together, they have developed one of the most respected opioid detox programs in the U.S. Clare Waismann has championed nearly three decades of humane, science-based detox practices, while Dr. Lowenstein, a quadruple board-certified physician, oversees the medical protocols, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. Their collaborative efforts have made Waismann Method the most well-known and longest-running opioid detoxification under anesthesia in the USA.
The Waismann Method® no longer follows the old protocol that required intubation. In fact, we have not intubated a patient during the procedure for nearly 20 years. Our current protocol uses sedation-assisted detoxification, which allows for a safer, more comfortable experience without the risks associated with general anesthesia and intubation. This advanced approach ensures better patient outcomes, faster recovery, and enhanced safety, making Waismann Method the most medically advanced accelerated opioid detox available today.
No, the Waismann Method® does not use Naltrexone during detox. That was part of an older protocol, which is now considered obsolete. Naltrexone is an oral medication, but there are more effective IV medications that are better absorbed and tailored to each patient’s unique medical needs.
Instead, our current protocol utilizes advanced IV treatments to ensure a safer, smoother detox process, prioritizing patient comfort and medical stability in a full-service, accredited hospital setting.
Waismann Method leads the way
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