Saturday January 11, 2025
| ||||||||
SNc Channels: HomeNews by DateSportsVideo ReportsWeatherBusiness NewsMilitary NewsRoad ReportCannabis NewsCommentsADVERTISEStaffCompany StoreCONTACT USRSS Subscribe Search About Salem-News.com
Salem-News.com is an Independent Online Newsgroup in the United States, setting the standard for the future of News. Publisher: Bonnie King CONTACT: Newsroom@Salem-news.com Advertising: Adsales@Salem-news.com ~Truth~ ~Justice~ ~Peace~ TJP |
Nov-05-2011 20:43TweetFollow @OregonNews Is Purdue Pharma-Sponsored 'Partnership at drugfree.org' a Ruse? Part 3Marianne Skolek Salem-News.com"To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. " Thomas Jefferson
(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - This past week I wrote two articles (links below) regarding partnership@drugfree.org and their ties to the pharmaceutical company, Purdue Pharma - maker of OxyContin - who is responsible for the epidemic of prescription drug deaths, addiction and abuse. I have a problem with any website funded by a pharmaceutical company who criminally marketed a dangerous drug - OxyContin. I also have a problem with "memorials" being set up on a very lucratively financed partnership@drugfree.org by a long list of corporate sponsors -- asking family members of deceased victims of Purdue Pharma to make a "donation" to the website. Something doesn't sit well with me when the bereaved are asked to make recurring donations "in memory of their loved ones" as Purdue Pharma reaps $10 billion in sales of their drug. In the two part series I wrote about the Waismann Method of rehabilitation for drug addicted individuals being treated at their California facility. I was impressed with the Waismann Method of medical treatment of drug addiction after speaking with Michael Lowenstein, MD at the facility. My intent was to bring to the forefront that this war on drugs -- and yes it is a war on drugs -- is being lost every day at the cost of human life. All the websites and groups organized to fight this war are winning battles, but the Purdue Pharma's -- the true criminals in this war -- are becoming richer and financially feeding lobbying groups to push for more prescribing of narcotics with a bogus "undertreatment of pain" in America. Wouldn't it make sense to have the true victims of Purdue Pharma -- those addicted to their dangerous drug -- receive rehabilitation in medical facilities throughout the country and Canada and have Purdue Pharma set up these medical facilities? The information on the Waismann Method in Part 2 referenced the physician and treatment facility in Israel and although they are related by name, they are completely different types of treatment. The California facility treats drug addiction under deep sedation utilizing the most advanced medical techniques available for opiate dependency. Patients are treated with the highest level of professionalism, dignity and respect. Patients receive observation from admission to discharge, all with a fully accredited medical-surgical hospital located in Southern California; where patients come from all over the world weekly. Pre-Treatment
Treatment
Domus RetreatDomus Retreat is a facility in the beautiful and exclusive hills of Orange County, CA. Domus, which means 'home' in Latin, offers patients recovering from medical procedures all the comforts of home in a large, cozy house situated in a secluded residential neighborhood. You won't find any hospital beds or antiseptic odors in Domus, only spacious and beautifully decorated bedrooms, three fireplaces, lush landscaping and the scents of delicious 'comfort food' specialties prepared in our own kitchen. Patients staying at Domus can expect round-the-clock pampering and relaxation complete with individual massages, psychotherapy, and physical training. The inspiration in creating Domus was to make all of our guests feel as comfortable as if they were recovering at home, but with full-service and individual attention. Call (310) 205-0808 Call (310) 927-7155After-hours & weekend Here are the testimonials from people having their lives given back to them as a result of the Waismann Method I talked with Clare Kavin, Certified Addiction Specialist and Administrative Director at Waismann Method in California. According to Ms. Kavin, the success level at Waismann is between 64 and 72% for one year after discharge. All patients have to be medically cleared in order to be treated by Waismann. No patient is discharged with a Methadone or Suboxone prescription. As I expected, I received some comments to the Waismann Method from the medical profession. Here are a few of the comments: "Please note that scientific evidence for the method of rapid detox under anesthesia for opioid addiction has been carefully evaluated by professional societies such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine---with the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to support the long term efficacy of this treatment, and there are some very real risks." (The American Society of Addiction Medicine is used as a reference on Purdue Pharma's Partners Against Pain website so their statement about "real risks" does not come as a surprise). "It's my understanding that they charge $15,000 for their "treatment". Unfortunately, a real cure for opioid addiction doesn't yet exist." (In fact, the treatment cost as Waismann is $20,000. But then what parent puts a dollar value on having their child given a chance at a drug free life?) "There are a few evidence-based treatments/approaches that can effectively manage this chronic illness in many people. The Waismann Method is not one of them." (And what would those "few evidence-based treatments/approaches" be? I'm curious because whatever they are -- they don't seem to be working). "My understanding is that their have been deaths with this rapid detox method and no evidence of long term benefit." (My understanding is that there are deaths every day in every state because of prescription drugs. I think these deaths far outweigh an almost 70% success rate after treatment with the Waissman Method).
"This is an interesting article to me particularly the reference to the Waismann method. I am an anesthesiologist and have had serious reservations about this type of treatment as it is very dangerous, short and requires little follow up. This may be because the majority of these clinics are not set up with ICU support and are often just a way for enterprising anesthesiologists to make money. This group seems to be different and to have added good safety measures. Is there long term evidence that individuals who are treated in this way are actually cured and have no relapses?" (A success of 70%+ with no relapse after one year could be classified as strong evidence I would think). In 14 years, the Waismann Method has treated approximately 5,000 patients. Dr. Bernstein did have a malpractice suit filed against him a few years ago which settled out of court. The California Medical Board investigated Bernstein and no charges were filed. Dr. Bernstein is still practicing medicine as a licensed physician. The patient who died under the care of Bernstein was being treated in the hospital and died as an inpatient at a medical facility. When my conversation with Clare Kavin of Waismann ended recently, she closed with a very poignant statement about the Waismann Method when she said -- "It's not bullet-proof -- but give me something better." Anyone in the medical profession care to respond with something better -- our kids are dying because detox facilities, Narcotics Anonymous and the substitution of Methadone and Suboxone from one opioid to another does not save lives. Let's put money where mouths are and recognize -- "your treatment of drug addiction is not working" and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has sat back long enough with blinders on their eyes -- Don't you think it's time to look at alternatives whether it be the Waismann Method or something else? Treating drug addiction with Methadone and Suboxone still make for a drug addict -- so the "bullet-proof" certainly isn't there -- now is it? LP - A big thank you for taking the time to fix the "recliner" -- I am once again able to work. Happy that your cell phone now rings too. I love your mechanical ability and I cherish you forever more. _________________________________
Salem-News.com Reporter Marianne Skolek, is an Activist for Victims of OxyContin and Purdue Pharma throughout the United States and Canada. In July 2007, she testified against Purdue Pharma in Federal Court in Virginia at the sentencing of their three CEO's - Michael Friedman, Howard Udell and Paul Goldenheim - who pleaded guilty to charges of marketing OxyContin as less likely to be addictive or abused to physicians and patients. She also testified against Purdue Pharma at a Judiciary Hearing of the U.S. Senate in July 2007. Marianne works with government agencies and private attorneys in having a voice for her daughter Jill, who died in 2002 after being prescribed OxyContin, as well as the voice for scores of victims of OxyContin. She has been involved in her work for the past 8-1/2 years and is currently working on a book that exposes Purdue Pharma for their continued criminal marketing of OxyContin. Marianne is a nurse having graduated in 1991 as president of her graduating class. She also has a Paralegal certification. Marianne served on a Community Service Board for the Courier News, a Gannet newspaper in NJ writing articles predominantly regarding AIDS patients and their emotional issues. She was awarded a Community Service Award in 1993 by the Hunterdon County, NJ HIV/AIDS Task Force in recognition of and appreciation for the donated time, energy and love in facilitating a Support Group for persons with HIV/AIDS. Marianne Skolek http://www.purduepharma.com/pressroom/app/news_announc/USGovt_reponse_Main.pdf http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/testimony.cfm?id= http://i.bnet.com/blogs/sebelius-response.pdf http://www.vawd.uscourts.gov/
Articles for November 4, 2011 | Articles for November 5, 2011 | Articles for November 6, 2011 | Quick Links
DININGWillamette UniversityGoudy Commons Cafe Dine on the Queen Willamette Queen Sternwheeler MUST SEE SALEMOregon Capitol ToursCapitol History Gateway Willamette River Ride Willamette Queen Sternwheeler Historic Home Tours: Deepwood Museum The Bush House Gaiety Hollow Garden AUCTIONS - APPRAISALSAuction Masters & AppraisalsCONSTRUCTION SERVICESRoofing and ContractingSheridan, Ore. ONLINE SHOPPINGSpecial Occasion DressesAdvertise with Salem-NewsContact:AdSales@Salem-News.com googlec507860f6901db00.html | ||||||
Contact: adsales@salem-news.com | Copyright © 2025 Salem-News.com | news tips & press releases: newsroom@salem-news.com.
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy |
All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.
Emma July 9, 2020 7:03 am (Pacific time)
I agree with the apparent reality Skolek reveals about Purdue and validate the dangerous overall approach to the marketing of many pharmaceuticals. However, as an investigative reporter she will stand with greater vality if admitting to her advocacy bias concerning the Waismann method of rapid detox. Waismann does not and will not submit investigative research data for peer review (expert examination). To some degree it was the expert testimony which supported the Purdue outcome. Skolik provided statements of concern about Waismann yet she failed to state the sources of her quoted text. She then provided a counter argument for each statement which to educated readers identified Skolik as an advocate for Waismann. Is this scientific evidence of medical efficacy attached to rapid detox and long term recovery? No. Skolek as a nurse and paralegal might wish to examine the reliability and limitations of the peer review process in the protection of human rights and medical welfare of those diminished by addiction. It is understood her position as a parent who lost a child to the visciousness of the pharmaceutical arena must be immensely painful. However, does one determine Waismann is successful because they state they are while refusing to reveal any evidence of treatment data or long term efficacy. Void of this evidence Waismann and defense thereof appears to have less transparence than Purdue. So, why the strong advocacy of Waismann? It appears oddly preferential. Why? Did the DOJ ask this question prior to requesting her testimony to determine bias? Purdue appears to have failed to engage ethical due diligence, yet is Skolnik failing diligence as well? Does her advocacy truly assist others with diligence set aside to promote Waismann in a mannor not unlike the abject denial of Purdue? Why invalidate her investigative work with full on investment in Waisman? Waisman has consistantly refused to produce hard clinical evidence. While regulatory standards failed in Purdue...Waismann entirely denies validity of any entity other than their own. What does this indicate?
Denise Lang November 9, 2011 5:35 am (Pacific time)
It would seem that DrugFree.org discourages medical marijuana while OK'ing alcohol and pharmaceuticals.
[Return to Top]©2025 Salem-News.com. All opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Salem-News.com.