Dr. Earthman Answers Your Questions - June

Full Name: Charles K.

Comments: Besides the normal sales pitch ..what percentage do people
have coming off opiates using this herbal product..I promote
nutraceuticals and work for several vitamins and supplement companies.
I got into a car accident and ended up hooked on oxycodone and
Oxycontin. I take anywhere from 30 - 180mg a day. is this catered to
people with a small habit or for people who use daily and at times
a lot…thanks for the info.

Dr. E.: We are currently collecting data from consumers to get a more accurate picture of “what percentage” of consumers respond well to Withdrawal-Ease.  I can tell you in my private practice I have not had an individual use WE and not get benefit.  The type of “habit” whether intermittent or daily and the opiate used whether oxycontin or heroin is irrelevant to WE’s effectiveness.  If you get physical and psychological symptoms when you stop your opiate then there is a very good chance that WE will help limit those symptoms.

Our best data indicates that our consumers are typically prescription opiate users but we do not have good information about the amounts they use.

2. Full Name: Jennifer P.

Comments: I am wondering if this product is safe to take while
pregnant. I have a medical condition which warrants me to take
percocets and would like to not take them while I am pregnant however
I also don’t want to experience withdrawals.

Dr. E: At this time we have no data specifically on W-E’s use in pregnancy.  I would recommend that you consult with your OB-GYN to determine the best course of action.

3. Full Name: William’s Mom

Comments: Help my son 22 is using Suboxone and he wants and needs to
get this out of his life. Where can we go to rapid detox from this in
Washington State?

Dr. E: “Rapid Detox” can have different meanings.  There are some facilities that place patients under general anesthesia and give them IV opiate blockers and the process is around 8 hours.  Keep in mind that this only addresses the “physical withdrawal” symptoms that addicts will go through not the underlying chemical dependency (inability to stop using a drug despite significant negative consequences to their life).  You should google “rapid detox Washington State” to find out if any facilities offer this in your state.

Many treatment facilities offer “detox” programs that use medications to limit the physical withdrawal symptoms and these programs are generally 5-7 days in length.  Most will also have ongoing residential programs called “rehab” that are the first steps in treating the chemical dependency.

In my own outpatient practice and at Spirit Lodge (residential detox and rehab facility in Austin, Texas) I have started using WE with good results.  Some patients are unable to get off that last 1-2 mg of Suboxone and WE has been helpful.

As always I recommend family and friends attend Al-Anon