2004 Opiate Dependency Report

Waismann Institute Survey Reveals Over One-Third of Patients Battle OxyContin Dependency

According to The Waismann Institute's 2004 Opiate Dependency Report , treatment for OxyContin dependency is catching up to that of the leading opiate, Vicodin, another powerful prescription painkiller. Based upon research conducted by the world-renowned opiate dependency center, 33 percent of patients were seeking treatment for a dependency to OxyContin, while a close 39 percent sought treatment for a Vicodin dependency. The findings are based on a survey conducted of patients receiving treatment for dependencies to various opiate-based drugs.

"A high percentage of the patients treated with the Waismann Method^sm suffers from Vicodin dependencies; however, the number of patients that seek our help to battle an OxyContin dependency has steadily grown," said Clare Waismann, executive director of The Waismann Institute. "Although OxyContin is sometimes abused to achieve a high often compared to heroin, our survey revealed that 66 percent of respondents dependent on OxyContin indicated that their dependency stemmed from a desire to stop pain."

Of that 66 percent, 44 percent of respondents dependent on OxyContin said their dependency started after a doctor prescribed it as treatment, while 22 percent said they took OxyContin for pain, but obtained it from a friend or relative. Thirty-four percent of respondents indicated that they became dependent on the drug after taking it recreationally.

Additional findings include:

• Of those that were prescribed OxyContin by their doctors, 73 percent claimed the prescribing doctors gave directions for use that were clear, easy to understand and enforced
• Eleven percent indicated that they visited multiple doctors to acquire OxyContin prescriptions
• Seventy-two percent of those with OxyContin dependencies had not experienced dependency issues with any type of illegal drugs before seeking treatment for OxyContin use
• The age group with the most respondents to report a dependency to OxyContin was those between 46 and 56

"It is evident from the results of our 2004 Opiate Dependency Report that both routine and recreational use of OxyContin can result in dependency," commented Waismann. "It is extremely important for those using the drug to understand the precautions and closely monitor intake, as dependency can occur in as little as two weeks."

The exclusive Waismann Method of Neuro-Regulation is administered by Drs. Clifford Bernstein and Michael Lowenstein to treat opiate dependency. Performed in a hospital intensive care unit, the Waismann Method involves cleansing the opiate receptors in the patient's brain of the narcotics while the patient is under anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient will experience no conscious withdrawal, and will be able to return home within days. Over 65 percent of patients treated with the Waismann Method remain drug free after one year.