Historically, treatment of opiate (opioid) addiction involved replacing the opioid drug with another and effectively blocking the receptor site. Waismann Method medical detox treatment, one of the most effective treatments with almost-painless withdrawal protocols, incorporates this medical principle into a successful medical program involving pre-treatment evaluation and diagnostics, transition and aftercare counseling.
Waismann Method® treatment is different from other treatments because it involves medically supervised rapid detox, is almost painless during the period of the sedated withdrawal process (conducted under deep sedation), is relatively stress-free and smoothly transitions the user into a life without opiates.
Why Opiate Agonists Work
In detoxification opiate agonists, pharmacologic substances that act like opioids and the less popular opiate antagonists or drugs that oppose opioids are used. For instance, methadone, once the drug of choice in supervised opioid withdrawal and treatment blunts the euphoric effect due to its slow onset and long duration. These qualities make it less attractive as a replacement drug for abuse. Newer generation opiate agonists such as buprenorphine and Naltrexone have less potential as the primary drug for abuse and are effective for withdrawal and maintenance. Both block the cognitive (mental) and behavioral effects of opiates and can be administered on a daily basis because the extended half-life prevents withdrawal symptoms longer.
Overcoming the Stigma of Rehabilitation
Before Betty Ford, America’s former First Lady came along and openly admitted to substance/alcohol abuse detoxification and treatment carried a stigma of sorts. Today, rehabilitation is considered the best option and rightfully so because it has turned many lives around even if success rate is never 100% guaranteed.
A lot has changed since the early days of treatment:
- Concept of the addiction as a medical condition and not simply a lack of willpower; hence the addict once rehabilitated can become a productive member of society and not a treatment failure or life
- Increased availability and variety of services
- Professionalized staff committed to the concept of rehabilitating the total person in the context of background, genetics and other factors
- A growing number of doctors specializing in the field of substance abuse
- Additional funding for social services and medical care.
Success Variables
The best treatment centers offer personalized assessment and treatment programs. To conclude that all addicts are the same is a misconception. Waismann Method® medical detox treatment enjoys unparalleled success because each addict is considered a unique individual with different needs based on biological, physiological and psychosocial factors. Some people are able to terminate drug use spontaneously and completely but the majority need help to battle addiction and relapse.
The Waismann Method takes the excessive pain and discomfort out of withdrawal with the patient waking up with no memory of the rapid detoxification. Done in an ICU setting and completely supervised, patients who had undergone treatment failures in the past have a better chance of recovering completely without having to battle constant cravings and violent withdrawal symptoms.
The quality of the transition period and aftercare are essential to a sound rehabilitation program. Without ample long-term follow up consistent with the user’s social background, treatment history as well as psychosocial and economic issues, even the best-conceived treatment modalities might fail. The Waismann Method ensures that treatment and management of the habit goes beyond the initial successful detoxification.
