Millions of people throughout the world suffer from the disease of Opiate Dependency. Society has judged, condemned them and found them guilty for crimes they may not have committed. Moral prejudice and theories on addictive personalities and psychological disorders are preventing these people from the medical care they urgently need.

Throughout history mankind has always looked for different ways of self healing and shelters from everyday reality. For decades, our society has been victim to opiate abuse. Opiate abuse is wide spread with no effective treatment available. Its victims are not viewed as patients, but more commonly - as outlaws. Society has pushed them to the gutters and the dark alleys of life, and then, discovered the urgent need to protect itself from them.

Some of the choices, until now, have been remedies such as addictive opiate replacements and long term isolation from society. Rehabilitation centers throughout the world offer individuals suffering from opiate dependency procedures based on suffering from a long, tormenting withdrawal syndrome.

While failing to provide a better solution, the suffering is then justified for it's so called therapeutic value. This process stands in the way of many addicts from seeking treatment, and among those who do seek treatment, many drop out. Worse of all, the minority that does complete the treatment is likely to relapse and is then even more reluctant then ever to seek treatment again.

Opiate Dependency has been treated by social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and law enforcement personnel. In reality, it is a central nervous system disorder. Abrupt abstinence causes a traumatic disorder involving sever consequences to the central nervous system. This disorder should be given appropriate medical care.

We can never undo the tragic losses that have resulted from this historical misjudgment.

But, times have changed, and Opiate Dependency has finally been recognized as a central nervous system disorder caused by continuous opiate intake. Therefore, we must not judge, punish, or morally confront those with opiate dependency. Rather, we should provide them with appropriate medical care.

We invite you to join us in the fight against human suffering, and to witness the birth of a new era.

Dr. Andre Waismann

Founder director of the Israeli Institute of advanced treatment and research for opiate dependency.

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