New Waismann Method Survey Indicates Chronic Pain Management as Leading Cause for Prescription Painkiller Use

Opiate Treatment Faculty Stresses Importance of Using Painkillers Sparingly for Short-Term Treatment

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Jun 11, 2010, 08:00 ET

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent survey conducted by the Waismann Method of opiate detoxification, doctors prescribing medication for the treatment of chronic pain were found to be the leading source of prescription painkiller use. Approximately 88 percent of all respondents stated they began taking prescription painkillers for chronic pain relief, with an astounding 70 percent of these individuals believing that they experience the same or a greater amount of pain than when originally prescribed painkillers. Those who indicated they are enduring an intensified level of pain are potentially suffering from Hyperalgesia, an increased sensitivity to pain.

Dr. Michael Lowenstein, board certified expert in addiction medicine, pain medicine and anesthesiology, states, "Prescription pain medications can be a very effective and powerful form of chronic pain management and have provided relief to many suffering individuals. However, it is absolutely critical that patients are aware that long term use of these medications can lead to dependence and in many cases can cause changes in the nervous system that make the pain worse. These patients should undergo opiate detoxification and seek alternative long-term treatment options."

Additional findings from the Waismann Method survey include:

79 percent of respondents believe they have developed a physical dependency to prescription painkillers
82 percent have been taking opiates for two years or more
79 percent have unsuccessfully attempted to discontinue using opiates, and 84 percent of those did not succeed to stay opiate free for one month
65 percent of respondents are over the age of 35
42 percent admit to now taking more than what was prescribed by their doctors

For individuals who have developed a dependency to prescription pain medications, it is important to understand the treatment options available in order to address the issue before it becomes an all-encompassing problem.

Lowenstein explains that advanced technology and medicine have provided individuals with safe and humane outlets for overcoming the chemical dependency to opiates. "The Waismann Method offers one of the most advanced procedures worldwide to treat dependencies to prescription painkillers and other opiates. We offer the medical expertise and advanced technology to reverse the physiological dependence to opiates while addressing the symptoms of the dependency."

The Waismann Method, a pioneering medical opiate detoxification procedure, provides an alternative option for treatment to prescription painkiller dependency. Performed in a hospital intensive care unit, the Waismann Method utilizes careful administration of medications to reverse the physiological dependence on opiates while the symptoms of withdrawal are addressed. During the procedure, the patient experiences minimal conscious withdrawal. Following treatment, patients are opiate-free and stay at the Domus Retreat where they are supervised by a team of professionals as part of the recovery and transition process.

The Waismann Method has become one of the most successful treatment programs for opiate patients worldwide with approximately seventy-five percent of patients remaining drug free after one year. To learn more about the Waismann Method, call 1-800-423-2482 or visit www.opiates.com.

About The Waismann Method

Performed in a hospital intensive care unit, the Waismann Method involves the administration of medications to reverse the physiological dependence on opiates while the symptoms of withdrawal are addressed. During the procedure, the patient experiences minimal conscious withdrawal, and will be able to return home within days. Seventy-five percent of the prescription drug dependent patients who are treated with the Waismann Method remain drug free after one year.