Prescription Pill Overdoses Have Reached Epidemic Proportions Warns Waismann Method Medical Director

New Study Reveals A Shocking 15,000 Americans Die Annually From Prescription Painkiller Overdose

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Nov 07, 2011, 08:00 ET

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that in 2008 approximately 15,000 Americans died from overdoses from prescription painkillers, like Vicodin, Oxycontin and Opana. These findings show a three-fold increase over the past decade, from 4,000 deaths in 1999. Dr. Michael Lowenstein, who specializes in the Waismann Method, an advanced procedure for rapid opiate detoxification, warns that these results show an upward progression of prescription painkiller abuse in the United States, and it will only get exponentially worse if there are not drastic steps taken to monitor and regulate the distribution of prescription pills.

"These statistics show that prescription painkiller abuse in America has continued to rise to dangerous levels," said Dr. Lowenstein. "The danger of prescription pills are often overlooked because they can be legally prescribed by a physician. Unfortunately, irresponsible doctors and unregulated pain clinics and pharmacies often contribute to the problem. It's critical we communicate the risks associated with painkillers and prevent non-essential distribution."

The CDC study found that in 2010, one in every 20 individuals ages 12 and above admitted to using prescription pills for nonmedical reasons in the past year. Additionally, enough painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to keep every American adult medicated at all times for an entire month. The study indicates that part of the problem involves doctors overprescribing medication to their patients, which leads to individuals of all ages easily gaining access to discarded or unused prescription opiates. The study also found that the number of people who have died from prescription pill overdoses have surpassed those who have died due to heroin and cocaine combined.

While the sale of prescription painkillers and the number of related deaths vary by state, Florida, New Mexico and Oklahoma have been most affected by this increasing problem. There have been steps taken on the state and federal level to reduce the amount of prescription painkiller abuse, including President Obama's plan to expand statewide prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), however state governments are having a hard time financing these programs and monitoring individuals who cross state lines to obtain a prescription. Until these or other monitoring programs go into effect or individuals start being more responsible with this medication, the national prescription painkiller abuse problem will only worsen.

The Waismann Method is a safe and proven treatment for opiate dependency that utilizes the most advanced medical techniques available. The rapid detox procedure is carried out in a full-service hospital in Southern California by board-certified anesthesiologists while patients remain under deep sedation, so they experience minimal conscious withdrawal or suffering. Following medical treatment, patients are taken to Domus Retreat for an assessment to determine any underlying causes of dependency, and a customized aftercare plan is assigned to ensure a healthy and effective transition to life without opiates. Patients of the Waismann Method achieve an extraordinarily high success rate – approximately 70 percent following one year after treatment – because they no longer fight the constant physical cravings for opiates that have led them to relapse in the past.

For more information about the Waismann Method, please visit Opiates.com. For interviews, contact Nicolette Surh at 858-888-0149 or send an email to nicolette[at]rkpr[dot]net.

About The Waismann Method

Performed in a hospital intensive care unit, the Waismann Method involves cleansing receptors in a patient's brain of the narcotics while the patient is under deep sedation, reversing the chemical imbalance. During the procedure, the patient will experience minimal conscious withdrawal, and will be able to return home within days. Seventy percent of the prescription drug dependent patients who are treated with the Waismann Method remain opiate free after one year. Please visit www.opiates.com for more information.

SOURCE Waismann Method