Waismann Method examines link between chronic pain and Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia

Feb 5 2011

Results from a recent study issued by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that treatment admissions for prescription painkiller abuse rose 345 percent over a 10 year period extending from 1998 to 2008.  The Waismann Method of Opiate Detoxification, an advanced medical procedure that rids the body of opiates, examines these statistics and considers a medical phenomenon, not often addressed with individuals suffering from chronic pain, which could also contribute to the number of patient visits to the emergency room – Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia. This is a condition where the increased use of opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and morphine, reduces one's tolerance for pain and heightens their sensitivity to discomfort.

"Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia affects a large percentage of chronic pain patients all over the world and because many of them do not recognize what it is that they are experiencing, increased dosages of pain medications are often prescribed," said Dr. Michael Lowenstein, co-director and chief administrator of the Waismann Method.  "Within our facility alone, over half of the patients we've recently treated for opiate dependency have come to the realization they were suffering from some form of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia.  This condition essentially tricked their bodies into thinking they needed more medication, when in fact, they needed less or none at all."

Often times in the case of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia, the innocent escalation of pain medication becomes a secondary and more severe issue than the original pain problem.  The treatment of pain becomes very confusing as one's brain thinks that more is better, when in reality it may be exacerbating their condition.

"When pain medication stops working, it is natural to assume more is needed, but it is important for people to understand that the effects of their pain medications may in fact be counterproductive," continued Lowenstein.  "With over a decade of experience in treating patients and administering the Waismann Method of Opiate Detoxification, the medical professionals in our organization understand the brain's physiological relationship to addiction and can help people return to a drug-free lifestyle by safely reversing their chemical dependency to opiates."

The Waismann Method of Opiate Detoxification is a pioneering medical procedure, which provides a safe and humane treatment for opiate dependency. Performed in a hospital intensive care unit, the Waismann Method of Opiate Detoxification carefully administers medications to reverse the physiological dependence on opiates while the symptoms of withdrawal are addressed.  During the procedure, the patient experiences minimal conscious withdrawal, and afterward enters the Domus Retreat for continued physical and mental care.