During the past several years it seems there is no escaping the news about prescription drug use running rampant in the U.S.  From our local communities to the national level, opiate-based medications like Vicodin and oxycodone have spurred an onslaught of addiction, crime and devastation to families and individual lives. Sadly, prescription painkiller abuse now also seems to be sparking a resurgence of heroin abuse.  That’s right, heroin. The 2013 National Drug Control Strategy released by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, reported that a surge in heroin use across the nation has particularly affected young adults living in suburban and rural areas.

Having worked with thousands of patients seeking treatment for opiate dependency over the years, it’s extremely disturbing to see that heroin is becoming the drug of choice for an alarming number of young adults and professionals.  Although heroin was once primarily considered a street drug, many people in suburban communities are finding it easier to access than prescription painkillers – and more affordable. As mindboggling as it may be, it’s true. The 2013 National Drug Control Strategy highlighted that heroin addiction, especially among 18-25-year-olds has grown, with approximately 68,000 seeking treatment in 2010, which was up from 43,000 in 2000.

Why is heroin easier for some to get than, say Vicodin? Well, with the increase in people illegally abusing prescription painkillers, these medications have become much more difficult – and more expensive – to obtain. Heroin on the other hand is unregulated, cheap and readily available from a local dealer. While government agencies and legislators are doing what they can to impose tighter regulations and monitoring programs, I think it’s important to be aware of this potential unintended consequence; users turning to other, more dangerous substances.  

I truly feel it is our duty as a country to support action to help combat this problem, by not only adopting stricter laws for those found to be dealing heroin, but also offering more community programs and information on treatments to help those battling these addictions. Trading one drug for another is not the answer to dependency, and will only serve to cause more damage in the short and long term.  How do you think we should be addressing heroin and prescription painkiller abuse in the U.S.? Please leave your comment below.      

With all of the different rapid detox treatments available to patients these days, it can be extremely difficult to sort through the programs that are truly effective and those that many times just set patients up to fail.  If you're considering a rapid detox program, it's important to remember that many treatments have very low success rates, and some people aren't even eligible for certain procedures.  Many of you already know the serious effects opiates can have on the body because of changes in the chemistry of the brain and organ function, as well as how these drugs can alter social, emotional and mental health.   All of these effects vary tremendously depending on the person, which is why a safe and successful detoxification program will always addresses the unique needs of each individual on a case-by-case basis.  Rapid detox is not always indicated to patients. A proper assessment is crucial for the safety and success of the process.

If you come across a rapid detox treatment that uses a "one size fits all" approach that doesn't consider the medical, social and psychological histories of each patient, I would strongly recommend against seeking help from that program.  You'll be shocked to find that many programs administer the same treatment to all of their patients, and even take them to hotel rooms immediately after detoxification to recover, without the proper medical supervision.  You can just imagine how incredibly dangerous it could be, leaving a patient   unmonitored after treatment without any medical or personal attention, they're at risk for a host of complications.  Aftercare is an extremely important part of the journey to a life without opiates, and many times is responsible for the success of the program, so it’s vital to seriously consider your aftercare options along with the procedure.

When searching for a rapid detox program, please have an open conversation with your doctor so together you can find the safest and most successful treatment available.  A combination of factors must be taken into consideration, including your age, health, medical history and condition, psychological state, and most importantly, your own personal preference and what you feel comfortable with.  Not all patients are, or should be, a candidate for rapid detox, since some prefer not to undergo sedation, and others may not be physically well enough for the detoxification. Patients are human beings with unique situations that requires unique answers.

Some of you may have seen the recent news surrounding hydrocodone, but I wanted to share it here for  those of you who haven't as it’s an important issue that could potentially affect millions of people.  To give you a brief overview, an advisory panel to the FDA has recommended tighter restrictions on hydrocodone-containing drugs, which would essentially classify them among the most dangerous prescription medications available to patients.  Having receiving patients for hydrocodone dependency for many years, I seen firsthand how dangerous this drug can be, which is why I am pleased to see the FDA taking steps to help prevent abuse.

As you may already know, hydrocodone drugs can be extremely unsafe if not used properly, but unfortunately many doctors are prescribing these painkillers unnecessarily.  I can’t tell you the number of patients we receive  for detoxification that were given a prescription for Vicodin for a minor pain, like a backache or tooth pain, which eventually led them to take a stronger opiate like oxycodone, creating a domino effect.  It’s become a trend in this country for medical professionals to write prescriptions for hydrocodone drugs too quickly, which is creating an epidemic of these drugs being overprescribed to patients who often times don’t need them.  This puts patients at risk for developing serious, and even fatal, health issues.  

Last year at the WAISMANN METHOD®and Domus Retreat, we treated about the same number of patients for addictions to Norco as we did for Heroin, OxyContin or methadone.  Although not completely surprised, I was appalled to find out that many of these patients developed a dependency to the drug after they were given a prescription for a very small injury.  In my opinion, most of the responsibility lays with the medical professionals, not with the patient.  I applaud the FDA for taking steps to curb hydrocodone abuse, but I also urge doctors to only prescribe these drugs in the most necessary circumstances.

Many people fighting hydrocodone dependency may feel helpless, but I assure them, they're not.  Although I believe it’s important for policy makers and physicians to make steps toward change, I think it’s also critical for patients to be vigilant too.  If you're prescribed a hydrocodone drug for minor pain, or your friends or family members are taking pain medication, ask your doctor for a different prescription and remind your loved ones of the risks of taking these drugs.  Please share any solutions in the comments that you've found effective in preventing your friends, family members, or even yourself from being prescribed hydrocodone so we can do the same.

Clare Waismann

You may have seen some of your darkest days. Perhaps you reached the very depths of despair while battling opiate addiction and or dependency. But there is hope that you can recover fully.

Opiate abuse and addiction can wreck lives. It can take hold of you both physically and mentally with a grip so powerful you may do things you never thought you would out of desperation. It can cause you to steal, lie, cheat and dishonor yourself and those you love. Opiates can take over your body and mind until nothing else matter.
It may seem an impossibility – an unreachable reality – that you will get through this. But you will. It may not happen the first time you attempt recovery, but there are plenty of people around the world who are able to look at opiate addiction in their rearview mirrors.

Avoiding the discomfort of opiate withdrawal becomes the most pressing matter for someone who’s addicted. The right treatment can manage withdrawal so effectively that symptoms are minimized, even eliminated altogether.

Opiate Detox And Ongoing Support Can Make All The Difference

Addiction afffects the patient physically and mentally disease what requires detox and additional support to heal. The psychological and emotional aspects of addiction often linger well after the body has recovered physically so ongoing care, such as therapy, is highly recommended.

Following opiate detox, it’s recommended that patients participate in aftercare programs  to establish underlying factors that contributed to the addiction and identify potential triggers. This helps patients to avoid opiate relapse.
Establishing a support system is essential to recovery. This can include loved ones, friends, colleagues or clergy members.  . Regular sessions with a counselor or therapist often help patients talk through their issues to cope with difficult situations, traumas and or emotions they are trying to mask.  

Getting back to normal will take time and won’t happen overnight. The body and brain have to recover from the damage caused by continuous opiate intake  The adjustment may be slow but every day, you’ll get a little better. The recovery process takes time and a day-to-day approach is best.

Everyday challenges may still arrive, but opiate detox and recovery can help prepare you to deal with these. Proper opiate treatment can give you lasting results. But it all starts with a commitment on your part. Faith can bring you out of the darkness and into the light. Long-term recovery from opiates is attainable .