Prescription Painkiller Abuse
The Opioid Crisis
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 5, 2015,/PRNewswire/ — As the rate of prescription painkiller abuse skyrockets in the United States. Aa coalition of 27 medical groups have banded together to address this serious threat to public health. The Waismann Method Medical Group applauds their efforts to reinvigorate the fight against the misuse of prescription opiates.
A December report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that between 1999 and 2012, the number of overdose-related fatalities from prescription opiate painkillers tripled. This has a countrywide impact, with 9 out of 10 doctors in a Johns Hopkins University study reporting that they are concerned about prescription drug abuse in their communities.
Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein, Medical Director for the Waismann Method, expressed that he is optimistic about the efforts of the participating organizations. He also believes that the Task Force represents a new era in the fight against prescription drug abuse.
“This Task Force is a much-needed initiative that brings together professionals from across the medical community to address this common problem. Although hundreds of thousands of people struggle with prescription drug abuse, there is a lack of resources to combat the issue. As medical professionals, we need to shift our focus to preventing prescription opiate abuse and improving access to safe, humane, and effective forms of treatment. By joining together, members of the Task Force can have a wider impact than any one organization alone.” Dr. Michael H.Lowenstein
In 2012, health care providers wrote nearly 260 million prescriptions for painkillers; that is enough to provide every adult in the United States with a bottle of pills. This high frequency of prescribing, combined with the addictive nature of opiates, has fueled the rate of addiction to painkillers. The most recent figures available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that 46 people per day die from a prescription medication overdose.
American Medical Association (AMA)
In response to this crisis, the American Medical Association (AMA), the largest organization of physicians in the country, is spearheading an effort to combat prescription opiate abuse. An additional 26 agencies have joined the Task Force, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pain Medicine. Together, these professional organizations are banding together to find ways to combat the epidemic of prescription opiate abuse.
The Waismann Method Medical Group joins in solidarity with the new Task Force, reiterating its commitment to expanding access to treatment for prescription opiate abuse. The Task Force has proposed several initiatives, including increased use of prescription drug monitoring programs and better education about evidence-based prescribing practices.
Waismann Method® – Treatment for Opiate Use Disorder
Medically Assisted Opioid Detox
The Waismann Method Medical Group has been providing high-quality treatment for opiate dependence for nearly two decades. The Waismann Method® continues to be recognized across the world for its comprehensive approach to the treatment of opiate dependence. The unique, individualized treatment program includes access to rapid opiate detox as well as modified medical opiate detoxification protocols. After completing the detoxification process at an accredited hospital, patients continue to receive recovery care at the exclusive Domus Retreat.
Michael H. Lowenstein, M.D., is the Medical Director for the Waismann Method®. He is quadruple board-certified, including certification in Anesthesiology, Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Lowenstein is highly sought-after for his expertise in the area of treatment for opiate dependence.
For more information on the Waismann Method® or our exclusive rapid detox program, please contact Clare Waismann or Michael H. Lowenstein, M.D., at (310) 205-0808 or Email us.
Source: AMA Alliance
