WAISMANN METHOD® Director Encourages Public to Participate in National Take-Back Day

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a new report released today by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Administrative Director for WAISMANN METHOD® rapid detox treatment and Registered Addiction Specialist, Clare Waismann, is urging all Americans to turn in their unused, unwanted, or expired prescription painkiller medications on National Take-Back Day, April 28, 2012. The new government report based on data from 2009 to 2010, indicates that an alarming number of people who abuse prescription painkillers (more than 70 percent) obtain the drugs for free from their family or friends.  

"This new report really illustrates the importance of educating the public about the damaging impact of keeping unnecessary prescription painkillers in our homes, and why it's so vital to properly dispose of unused medications," said Waismann.  "In this study, as well as at our treatment center, we're seeing that prescription medications are not always safe left in family medicine cabinets because they can fall into the wrong hands. Many times adolescents and children begin experimenting with prescription drugs found at home, and can develop abuse or dependency issues very easily."

The prescription drug abuse issue has reached epidemic proportions; approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population 12 and older reported using prescription painkillers in the last 30 days, according to the study.  The data also shows that new and occasional abusers rely heavily on family and friends to acquire their drugs.  According to federal officials, abuse of prescription painkillers, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, morphine, and benzodiazepines are responsible for 11 deaths per day nationwide.  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also stated a surge in opioid abuse was responsible for an increase in overdose deaths of approximately 346 percent from 2005 to 2010.

National Take-Back Day is a DEA-sponsored initiative that allows community members nationwide to anonymously dispose of their unwanted or unused prescription medications at designated disposal locations.  The DEA reported that during the October 29, 2011 event, more than 377,086 pounds of unwanted or expired medication was turned in for safe and proper disposal.  In the last 13 months, three prior Take-Back Days resulted in the safe removal of 995,185 pounds (approximately 500 tons) of medication.

The upcoming National Take-Back Day takes place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at various locations nationwide.  To find a local collection site in your area, please visit the National Take-Back Initiative Collection Site Search page. Individuals based in Los Angeles may drop off their unused prescription drugs at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department collection site, at 780 N. San Vicente Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069.

For more information about WAISMANN METHOD® treatment please visit opiates.com.  For interviews contact Nicolette Surh at 877-975-3423 or send an email to Nicolette(at)rkpr(dot)net.

About WAISMANN METHOD® Treatment

WAISMANN METHOD® rapid opiate detoxification treatment is a safe and proven protocol for opiate dependency that utilizes the most advanced medical techniques available.  The rapid opiate detoxification treatment 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.  WAISMANN METHOD® patients achieve an extraordinarily high success rate because they no longer fight the constant physical cravings for opiates that have led them to relapse in the past.  For more information, please visit opiates.com.

SOURCE WAISMANN METHOD®