The Waismann Method is a form of anesthesia assisted opiate detoxification that was invented in 1994 by Israeli Doctor, Andre Waismann. He developed it in response to seeing young Israeli soldiers becoming addicted to narcotics they were given after being treated for injuries. It's been called a "one step program" by some because withdrawal symptoms occur over a few hours instead of a few weeks. The patient is anesthitised during the procedure and sedated afterwards. So, the pain of withdrawal is skipped as far as the patient is concerned.
The Waismann Method, also known as accelerated neuroregulation (ANR), is just one of several methods of rapid opiate detox used to treat addiction to opiate based drugs. The practice of rapid opiate detoxification is controversial and considered to be an experimental treatment by some or a godsend by others. This lens will focus on the advantages, disadvantages, and risks of the Weismann Method of anesthesia assisted rapid opiate detoxification.
Hours Instead of Weeks? How?
The Whole Process Actually Takes Place Over 3 or 4 Days
Day 1 - You are admitted to a full service hospital one day before the procedure for a complete medical evaluation. Patients also have a chest x-ray and an electrocardiogram, and may undergo an exercise stress test if needed. Pre-medications, which include morphine to prevent premature withdrawal, are administered to stabilize body functions which help to achieve a smooth and safe procedure.
Day 2 - You are transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for the detoxification procedure. Anesthesia is used to put you under and withdrawal is medically induced by a board certified anesthesiologist using opiate blockers. You're unconscious for about an hour. This allows your body to go through the most acute withdrawal symptoms without your brain remembering the experience. A sleeping pill and sedatives are given to you when you awaken from the anesthesia. You're very tired and free from the addiction at this point.
Day 3-4 - You remain in the ICU for a period of 24-48 hours for the purpose of continued monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and other physical changes until your body's response to the procedure stabilizes and healthy levels resume.
Follow-up care includes 6 sessions with a specially trained psychologist by phone or in person. If you want a more structured transition to a drug free life, you have the option of continuing your recovery at the Domus Retreat. Programs can last 7-28 days, depending on your individual needs.
Drug Addictions Treated by The Waismann Method
Basically, any opiate based drug. Here's some examples:
Actiq
Heroin
Oxycodone
Anexsia
Hycomine
Oxycontin
Avenza
Hydrocodone
Oxymorphone
Buprenorphine
Hydromorphone
Oxynorm
Codeine
Kadian
Percocet
Darvocet
Lorcet
Percodan
Darvon
Lorcet Plus
Stadol
Demerol
Lortab
Temgesic
Dilaudid
Methadone
Tramadol
Dispadol
Morphine
Tylenol
Dolacet
MS Contin
Tylox
Dolantin
Norco
Ultracet
Fentanyl
Nubain
Vicodin
Floricet/Codeine
Opium
Zydone
Advantages of The Waismann Method over other methods of Rapid Opiate Detox
• It's quick and discreet. The procedure can be done during a long weekend allowing you to minimize disruptions to work and family schedules. The short time needed to undergo the procedure also makes it easier to keep it discreet, if needed.
• It's Safe. An ICU setting in a full service hospital ensures your access to state of the art medical technology and staff while undergoing the procedure. Other rapid detox methods are usually carried out on an outpatient basis. Therefore, they are less safe if complications occur.
• High Success Rate. The success rate of The Waismann Method has been estimated at 65 percent after 1 year. Traditional methods of addiction recovery (like 12 step programs) linger in the 5-10 percent range.
Disadvantages of The Waismann Method over other Rapid Detox Methods
• It's Expensive. The Waiswmann Method costs about $15,000. This is mainly because of the ICU stay in a full service hospital. Rapid Detox used in outpatient programs can run you about half that amount. But, remember, you get what you pay for.
• It's Only Available In 2 Locations. One is in Tel Aviv, Israel at the clinic where Dr. Andre Waismann practices. The other is in Orange county of southern California where the Waismann Institute is located and is administered by Dr. Clifford Bernstein or Dr. Michael Lowenstein. Of course, this is true of many specialized medical procedures.
