Heroin Overdose & Addiction: Exacerbated by Guilt, Shame & Blame
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 05, 2014 -- In light of a recently published NPR report stating the harrowing death toll caused by heroin, Waismann Method® Medical Group calls for awareness and humane treatment. We believe that confidence and self-esteem are the best approach in combating heroin abuse and preventing overdose.
The impact of increased heroin use has been felt nationwide and, most recently, in Pennsylvania due to a Fentanyl laced batch resulting in heroin overdose and 22 deaths, according to NPR on February 2,2014. http://www.npr.org/2014/02/02/270640525/the-brutal-business-of-heroin-brings-wave-of-overdoses-in-pa
Although many people consider heroin addiction to be primarily an urban "problem" restricted to major inner-city areas and specific at-risk populations, the pervasiveness of the drug was underscored recently when a major Hollywood film star was allegedly found dead from a heroin overdose. His death followed closely on the heels of a spate of 22 heroin-related deaths occurring in a matter of only a few days in central Pennsylvania.
Most experts agree that substance abuse is a disease that requires intensive treatment to control, but when confronted with news reports like the recent one from Pennsylvania, the reaction of most people is one of anger and even blame. But although such reactions may be the first response of many, researchers agree that widespread blame and resentment does more harm than good in actually addressing the overall problem of drug abuse and the addictions of those who abuse drugs.
Michael H. Lowenstein, M.D., is a leading drug treatment specialist who believes being compassionate and understanding will produce better results. Dr. Lowenstein is the director of the Waismann Method™, a leading provider of Rapid Detox and Medical Opiate Detoxification located in Southern California.
"Most people react to issues of drug abuse with feelings of anger, revulsion or, most commonly, blame – toward both the addict and the addict's family," Dr. Lowenstein said. "The common perception is that the addict is weak – otherwise, why did they get started using in the first place, and why don't they 'just quit'?
"For the addict's family, the common perception is that they've failed to provide a loving environment, or that they were lazy or irresponsible and simply 'allowed' the addiction to occur," he said. "It's sad to say, but many lives that could otherwise be saved may be lost to drugs, simply because of pervasive feelings of shame and failure."
Unfortunately, while not uncommon, Dr. Lowenstein noted that those types of misconceptions can hamper an addict's recovery and result instead in deep feelings of shame, failure and hopelessness that can actually cause a substance abuse habit to continue or even worsen. Many abusers may refuse to seek treatment or fall deeper into the cycle of abuse.
Although it may not be the natural first reaction for many of us, offering support and hope to addicts and their families is one of the most effective ways to combat substance abuse and to help abusers start on the road to recovery. "By providing an understanding,effective and humane detoxification and compassionate environment that emphasizes care and treatment over blame and punishment, substance abusers are much more likely to seek treatment," Lowenstein said.
"We believe that one of the best ways that we, as a community, can help drug abusers is putting care before judgement" Dr. Lowenstein said. "Showing compassion and understanding isn't always easy when confronted with the realities and consequences associated with drug abuse, but we need to remember that people who abuse drugs can come from any walk of life – professionals, students, homemakers, athletes – and they need our support in order for recovery to be effective and long-lasting."
About Waismann Method® Treatment
Waismann Method®, directed by Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein, is a pioneering opiate treatment based on a safe and humane and proven protocol that utilizes the most advanced medical techniques available. A major center for opioid dependency, treatment and detoxification based only in California, Waismann Method® offers a variety of programs from rapid detox under sedation, to medically assisted detoxification and other forms of treatment at Domus Retreat. Our team of doctors, therapists and staff work with each patient to create personalized treatment and aftercare plans designed to ensure a healthy and effective transition to life without opiates. Patient safety, comfort, and complete confidence are our primary priorities, and we always put treatment and care over blame and punishment. For more information, please visit opiates.com.
To learn more about the Waismann Method® for opiate addiction and its proven approach, visit the website at http://www.opiates.com or call 1-310-2050808
Ellen Joy Florendo, AAMOD, 310-205-0808, [email protected]
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