Anyone tried or know about the waismann method.

[TysonRed]

I was just wondering if anyone out there has or knows someone who has experienced the Waismann Method???  Im wondering about its success rates, I saw somewhere that women after a year supposedly had 65% success rate, but didnt find anything on men. I know that Waismann is an inpatient procedure usually lasting 5-7days, your induced into withdrawl after being put under anesthesia, then given sedatives and sleeping pills when you wake up and are transferred to ICU. Im curious to hear if anyone knows of the success rates involved, how the success differs from drug to drug, I would think the success rates of  someone on hydrocodone would be greater than that of someone on methadone, oxycontin. Now I also would think that amounts of medication and its abuse would have to be factored in and their personal medical info. So if anyone out there has been through it please respond, if you know of someone that would be great, or if you've looked into yourself what have you found? Just so others know, Im looking into it for friends that may be able to benefit greatly from it, one friend in particular is on methadone and can't stop. He has no insurance so his care has subsequently has been less the adequate. But he does have family members that could fully afford to pay, if they were made somewhat certain that it would be successful. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, I'll be sticking around to see if I can get any responses.

[Iamsongbird]

Gnarly...Your comments suggest that you are not fully researched on opiate addiction, nor the broad scope of treatment methodolgies/interventions available. One size treatment approach will never fit all individuals because every individual is 'different'. We all have separate mechanisms for physiological and emotional coping. It's irresponsible to assume and to imply that one-size-fits-all philosophizing based on the notion that consequences, i.e. "the experience of laying in the bed one makes" is the 'cure'.  That is not an evidence-based argument. That is simply your' opinion -which you are certainly entitled to. However, I encourage youopen you mind and do the research. You mention in comment "several members...." which suggest you're refering to 'peer' support   groups -i'm assuming a 12 step group?

The way you 'come across' in your comment hints that you are someone who tends to make decisions based on a kind of indoctrinated state of mind common in 'some' addiction/recovery related peer group philosophies. Remember to consider that everyone has an individual journey. We serve others best in navigating the challenges of addiction when we interact in a way that allows/inspires an individual/loved one to forge their own path. People are able to cope with their challenges better and better over time when they have a sense that the people around them are not judging them or otherwise trying to control their thoughts or actions via manipulative strategies such a fear-mongering, gossip and pessimism. A lot of so-called "support" group meetings rely on membership via these unhealthy tactics. The net result is stigma...Encouraging you to use a responsibly open-minded, common-sense approach and positive spirit when approaching the subject of 'others' addictions. A menu of evidence-based options is the goal!

[LJscott]

Great comment

[soccervolleyhoopsmom]

All I can say is I have cold turkey stopped Opiates several times. Each time same results. The best method I have found OUTSIDE OF rehab which I have NEVER done, is the Thomas method. Only because it is vitamins, poopoo meds, etc etc just look it up, you will feel like crap depending on your med, for about 3 days and after that mostly TIRED and just sorta out of wack......if you can get past the first 3 days you can handle the rest if your strong enough. Good Luck

[Iamsongbird]

Continued happiness and health to you and your wife. Thank you for the balance of perspective you offer by sharing your personal experience. It provides readers with better decision-making ability. That's really what we should all be focused on: "What options are available to me that might allow me to improve my health, my circumstances, my quallity of life...or that might allow me to become a more informed, effective advocate on behalf of a loved one with a substance ue disorder?"

[Iamsongbird]

Elliot, thanks for your comments about your personal experience with the Waismann method. It's easy for people to become short-sighted when exposed to negative comments and negative hearsay about clinical interventions -especially regarding opiate dependency. And let's face it...."positive/hopeful spirit" in regard to anything addiction-related is pretty much unheard of. All the negativity adds to addiction stigma. And we all know (or should) that stigma adds to barriers to recovery for individuals and families.   I'm not suggesting that there have not been problems with rapid detox. It's just that, after a good amount of research, it appears that the negative outcomes are associated with the short-cutted versions of the Waismann method- which, in my opinion, catagorizes these short cut versions as non-Waismann methods....apples and oranges in effect.  

[Elliott1055]

I am a doctor and went through the Waismann Method.  It allowed me to detox, without serious discomfort, and allowed me to keep my dignity.  I do not below you have to hit rock bottom, or suffer to get better.  The Naltrexone stopped the cravings, and I have been free of opiates for over 5 years.  People complain about $20,000..but this procedure is done in an intensive care unit, by a board certified anesthesiologist, with tremendous costs.  I can't say enough about how this saved my life.

[relayane]

Its nice to see your story radfory, your wifes experiences mirror my own. I was so glad i did it and have been clean almost 4 1/2 years now, never had a craving afterwards either.its good to hear positive things from you, it seems many people have a problem with the procedure and its good to get many opinions, but for the life of me i cannot relate to some of the stuff people say, Maybe i was just lucky, but from the moment i went to Waismann ( including the procedure and emmediately afterward) up till today my lifes so much better than the lost several years prior. Congratulations to you and your wife, now you get to have a life again!