Rapid Detox Blog Launched to Discuss Anesthesia Assisted Opiate Detox

Beverly Hills, CA, January 15, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Rapid detox is a term that in the past was 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 Nov. 9 when two physicians at a 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 the death and complications with several patients that underwent their procedure.

Unfortunately, this is not the only situation where death and unnecessary suffering of patients are due to alleged improper medical behavior have been the outcome of 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 In 2001, a medical license was revoked for seven deaths of detox patients in New Jersey.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.

While a certain risk accompanies any medical procedure, this 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. To answer questions from those considering rapid detoxification for a dependency to opiates and offer a forum for people to share their experiences with the procedure, the Waismann Method has launched www.rapiddetox.net.

“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 that the Waismann Method suggests to help determine whether an authentic rapid opiate detoxification is being performed include:

    * 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 at least 24 hours in advance of 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.”

Clare Kavin, executive director of the Waismann Method 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. Over 65 percent of the patients who are treated with the Waismann Method remain drug free after one year.

###