A freedom I never thought possible
So it's been one year since my time at Domus. In that year, I've dealt with sorrow, trauma and stress that would have normally sent me into a downward spiral of unprecedented opioid use. That hasn't been the case.
My desire to use opiates, or, my emotional "Off button" is non existent. I've maintained a level of freedom from an addiction that left me for dead and killed so many that I knew, it's nothing short of miraculous.
Detox is rough, in a jail cell going cold turkey or well cared for in the ICU. Best tip I have before going, Titrate how much you're using (as best as you can, be realistic but don't prematurely go into withdrawals) so the procedure isn't so intense physically.
Thankfully, after you've recovered from anesthesia and are cleared to leave the ICU, you go to an amazing place.
Wonderful staff: Chef's who put Gordon Ramsay to shame, therapy sessions from an amazing Psychologist, medical staff who put up with so much and still provide a level of patient centered care that rivals any facility I've been in, a housekeeping staff who's always smiling when working and the rest of the staff, who hold many titles, do many jobs and deserve much praise for their positive attitudes and hard work.
If you're reading this and thinking "man, that's a lot of money!" You're not alone. I did pay cash, and afterwards did a breakdown of services provided and the cost. It's actually reasonable when taking into consideration the hospital stay, meds and your stay at Domus. Plus, can you put a value on being free from opiates? I can't. Not to mention I would have wasted more than that on drugs in one year, possibly died and still been in full blown addiction.
My advice? Prepare yourself or your loved one for returning home. Rest is important, this isn't a magic wand that takes away the length of rest needed to be healthy. Not interacting with the people who you were using with is crucial. Say your goodbyes before you leave and don't feel tempted to check on those people now that you feel better. It's not worth being in a risky situation. Aftercare: I have 2 practitioners I see for therapy, aftercare looks different for everyone but it's so important to have a safety net of some kind post treatment.
I'll be very blunt about this too: This is a huge waste of money, time and your life if you don't want it. And mean WANT IT. Not "I'm tired of disappointing everyone" not "My parents/significant other are really pushing me to do this" and definitely not "This is some magical cure all that will stop my addiction in it's tracks."
Only you know when you're done, and when you are, to me, this is the final piece to the start of a new chapter in your life.
I'm so glad I was done. 20+ years of using with 15 of them being solid addiction just wasn't fun anymore. Being 35 at the time, I realized my life wasn't what it could be and certainly isn't what anyone should strive for. So it was time for a change.
I found the Waismann method online while looking for diagrams of new injection sites, I was at a point of pure desperation. "Opiates.com? They should have some tips on how I can continue to get high" I thought. How wrong I was and how happy I was to be wrong. I shed a tear to find out that something like this existed, I had no clue.
And finally, wow. I'm still here. Still free of the desire to use or associate with those in active addiction. My heart still breaks when I see others struggling, and if I could, I would send everyone to get the help they need at Domus.
I hope this can help others weighing the choice of seeking this treatment facility or another, to make the choice that's right for them. I've been to multiple residential inpatient programs, 2 months, 6 months, 13 months, none of them did anything positive for me. So thank you again to everyone involved with the Waismann method (I was at the facility in California) for what you're doing. It's working. Look forward to another yearly update, positive or negative, I'll leave my feedback🤙
Date of experience: November 10, 2021
Reply from WAISMANN METHOD® Opioid Treatment & Rapid Detox
Dear Richard,
It is with great pride and gratitude that I read your review of your experience with the Waismann Method and Domus Retreat. Our team of dedicated professionals strives to provide our patients with the highest level of care and the best experience possible. It is beyond rewarding to see that our efforts have made such a positive impact on your life.
You made the courageous decision to seek treatment one year ago, and you chose the Waismann Method and Domus Retreat. We are honored that you entrusted us with your care.
You are an inspiration to our team and others who struggle with opioid use disorder. I am grateful for your courage in sharing your story. It is my hope that by telling it, you will help others find the strength they need to seek treatment and begin their own journey to recovery.
One more time, thank you for choosing the Waismann Method and Domus Retreat, thank you for entrusting us with your care, and thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to us all.
Sincerely,
Clare Waismann