Opiate-Based Painkiller Addictions Decline, Reversing Previous Epidemic Projections

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After years of putting the spotlight on the epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse, the Waismann Method® is pleased by recent numbers revealing opiate addiction decline. The reasons for the decline are greater regulatory controls, such as electronic tracking of controlled substance prescriptions, as well as increased treatment options and awareness. The Waismann Method has repeatedly called for these regulatory measures since first observing the rapid increase in patients addicted to prescription opiate-based painkillers.

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The study findings, published in the January 15^th edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, reveal that while the number of individuals addicted to prescription painkillers rose from 2002 to 2010, the number decreased between 2011 and 2013. Overdose deaths have also declined since 2009. Prescription painkillers are opiate-based drugs, including OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin. The decrease correlates to an outpouring of public and government response which began in 2012, the year that 16,651 opioid-related deaths occurred.

However, the news isn't all positive. The same study reported that while prescription based drug addictions are down, heroin addictions have increased. These findings indicate that many who were previously addicted to prescription drugs have now turned to heroin. This aligns with what the Waismann Method has proclaimed for years. The average heroin abuser is a young adult suburbanite who was first introduced to addiction through a prescription painkiller. We continue to assert that addiction rates can't be decreased simply by decreasing the number of available drugs. A more comprehensive approach is needed to prevent substance abuse and addiction from occurring in the first place. In addition, greater access to effective drug abuse treatment and drug detoxification options at the first sign of a problem can stem the tide of cross-overs into illegal drug addiction.

About Waismann Method Medical Group

Waismann Method® has been recognized as the premier opiate treatment center in the country, specializing in rapid opiate detox and utilizing the most advanced medical techniques to treat opiate addiction. Located exclusively in Southern California, Waismann Method offers a variety of treatment programs from rapid opiate detox under sedation to medically assisted detoxification with professional aftercare monitoring. Dr. Michael Lowenstein, Medical Director for Waismann Method ®, is considered an international authority on opiate addiction. He is board-certified in Addiction Medicine, Pain Management and Anesthesiology. Most recently, Dr. Lowenstein completed a fellowship and earned board certification in Anti-aging, Restorative and Regenerative Medicine to enhance his understanding and treatment of the effects of opioid use on the brain and other body systems. Accompanied by one of his team members, registered addiction specialist Clare Waismann, Dr. Lowenstein operates in an accredited hospital which offers specialized care for patients with specific medical and dependency needs, including high-risk patients and long-time abusers of painkillers and other substances. Doctors, therapists and staff work with patients to create personalized treatment and post care plans, designed to ensure a healthy and effective transition to a life without opiates. Waismann Method patients achieve an extraordinarily high success rate and thousands of patients have been effectively treated using our method. The professionals at Waismann Method® always put treatment and care over blame and punishment. Find out more about the Waismann Method at www.opiates.com. For more information about the Waismann Method, or for interviews with Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein, please contact:

Clare W. Kavin
(310) 205-0808
[email protected]
 

SOURCE Waismann Method Medical Group