Successful 14-Day Methadone Detox of 30 Year Old Female

Craniel Electrical Stimulation (CES) - Case Study

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Research Background

Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES) has been an effective tool in supporting withdrawl of patients with long term methadone1 and opiate dependence2,3 in inpatient settings. Less attention has been paid to the role of CES use managing withdrawal from opiates on an outpatient basis. The following self-report suggests further research exploration of methadone detoxification would be a worthwhile direction to follow.

CES is FDA approved for the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia. More than 20 studies4 have been done with additive indivituals and there is no evidence that dependence on CES developps. Also, there is an absence of significant side effects from the use of CES and there is no overuse syndrome noted in the literature.

1. Gold, M. et al., Anti-withdrawal effects of AMD and CES, Abs. Society of Neuros. 1982 Annual Meeting Minn, MN
2. Gomez, E., Mikhail, Treatment of methadone withdrawal with CET, 1978, Brit. J. Psychiat, 131, 111-113
3. Patterson, M. et al., Treatment of drug, alcohol and nicotine addition by NET. Jrnl. Of Bioelec., 3, 193-221
4. Kirsch, D., The Science Behind CES, 2001 Medical Scope Publishing Corp., Edmonton, Alberta

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Patient Background Information

A 30 year old female with a family history of alcoholism and addition sought detox from chronic methadone use. She began using 30 mg./day of methadone about a year ago. Her withdrawal syndrome became evident to her at 20mgs. In a three week period she reduced her daily use to 5-10mgs. of methadone.

Three days before befinning treatment that included CES she reported having symptoms across all systems that are affected by withdrawal and used 5mgs. daily. Her self-report begins that day. She reported tachycardia and panic attacks during this period, an experience new to her. She described it as her heart pounding so strongly it felt as if it would burst, perfuse sweating and a sense she was going to die. Involuntary leg spasms occurred in this period. She did not eat, was throwing up, had loose stools and was extremely fatigued.

At the start of her first session, which had a 3 hour duration, she rated her stress level as a 10 (maximum discomfort) on a 1-10 scale. She began CES use and within the first few minutes there were subtle changes in her stress level. Within 30 minutes her stress rating showed a decrease. As the session continued, she was more at ease, which is consistent with clinical use of CES. At the end of the session, she rated her stress level as a 6, or maybe a 5. She was directed to continue "round the clock" CES use for the next 5 days. The following is her self-report encompassing both a pre-treatment and the treatment period.

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Patient Background Information

3 days prior to treatment with Dr. Stecker - Been 24hrs free of methadone but used 5mgs this evening. I was proud but scared. I felt tired and miserable. I cried all afternoon. I haven't slept well in about 5 days and I tossed and turned all night feeling like I was going to crawl ouf of my skin.

2 days prior to treatment with Dr. Stecker - I get out of bed feeling complete exhaustion. By 8am I am in my bed crying and having panic attacks. I tell myself I can't handle it. Couple hours later I am dealing with it, the body aches, the upset stomach, feeling like I am coming down HARD off a bad trip. I cry all afternoon and by 4:30pm I relapsed (5mg). It honestly didn't help. I knew in my mind it was wrong. I am so disappointed in myself but I tell myself I can't do this on my own. I start calling rehabs looking for a quick detox but it seems like NO ONE wants to help me. I am turned away at the rehab. They tell me my insurance won't cover my stay. I feel hopeless. No sleep again.

1 day prior to treatment with Dr. Stecker - Watching time pass as I did all night. I get out of bed feeling hopeless. It's 7am and I haven't slept in days! I am crying and feeling so much anxiety it scares me. I have a panic attack. I take another 5mg. My anxiety is a 10, I have the shakes, my body hurts, I am scared.

Start of treatment with Dr. Stecker - I go to see Dr. Stecker at 12:30pm feeling hopeless. Once I start the treatment, I feel a sense of HOPE. I haven't slept in days, I am exhausted. After 2 hours with Dr. Stecker, my anxiety has dropped. The (CES) stimulation seems to be working. I get home about 3pm feeling better but skeptical. I have chills and my body still aches but the anxiety is better. I get 4-5 hours sleep. YES!

Day 2 - I get up feeling better, a little more energy. Still not hungry, haven't eaten in 4 days, just toast. Worked with Dr. Stecher for 2 hrs and used CES all night. In the pm I feel exhausted again, body exhausted. At night didn't get much sleep.

Day 3 - I am frustrated because of no sleep. I eat toast and a banana. Anxiety much better, feeling in more control, no urge to take methadone. My body still hurts. Thursday I make dinner and eat it. WOW I felt hungry. I got a couple hours of sleep. (Patient was seen. Less withdrawal sxs.) Used CES around the clock.

Day 4 - I feel so much more energized. My anxiety is better. I was able to do chores around the house. I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. My appetite is back. My body still hurts. Used CES around the clock. I get about 4 hours sleep tonight.

Day 5 - I wake up feeling tired but I know I can do it. No feeling of urges to take drugs. I go food shopping; do more chores around the house. They exhaust me. I have diarrhea, a headache and body aches, no anxiety. Slept 5 hours. Use CES 24/7.

Day 6 - I feel great. My energy is up, I feel good. I have a great outlook on my future. I have headaches, leg cramps and get tired throughout the day. I eat 3 meals, I go tanning, which haven't done in awhile. I get 5 hours sleep. Used CES, saw Dr. Stecker.

Day 7 - I am up at 7:30 feeling good and feeling positive. Head aches, legs ache. Body just feels tired. I do wash, mop floors, vacuum, then I relax all afternoon. I go tanning again. I am 7 days free of methadone and truly have a positive outlook for my future. 2 hours sleep. Was out of bed by 5am. Used CES several times throughout day.

Day 8 - Feeling exhausted, legs ache. Other than that, no withdrawal symptoms.

Day 9 - I got 5 hours sleep. Feel same as yesterday but not as exhausted. Legs really ache! More energy. Run out to do some errands. No other withdrawal. Saw Dr. Stecker.

Day 16 - I continue to improve. No methadone urges. Feel better than I have in years. Able to be a mom, going tanning, exercising. Sleep is normal. I have my real life back.

Call me, Kalie Marino, for an appointment and try out Healthpax™ in my office FREE OF CHARGE.
See if it is right for you.

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To purchase the HealthPax™ (CES) contact:

Kalie Marino
215-672-1599 or 866-672-1599
or send email to Kalie Marino