My experience at Alternative to Meds Center in San Francisco, California, has been an outstanding success. I received excellent treatment from a staff that is experienced, caring, and hard working. My detoxification was smoother than I could have ever imagined due to the scientifically proven diet and supplements. I was able to get opiates and benzodiazepines out of my system in a safe environment with minimal discomfort. The individualized setting allows personal care from a well trained staff while learning a diverse skill set that will help me with whatever I do in the future. I have undergone detoxification from a lower dosage of medication in the past and I now realize the process does not have to be as painful as it was in other treatment centers. While I was quite skeptical about the nutritional aspects of the program, I now realize the important role that a healthy, organic diet plays in my body, especially during a detoxification process. The Alternative to Meds Center did an excellent job, from case managers down to the chefs, in providing answers to my questions and showing me a proven process that I can continue to implement in my life when I leave the facility.

Greg-Austin, TX

I wanted to write about my experience with Alternative to Meds Center. I came to ATMC for assistance in withdrawing from antidepressants. Before I came to the Center I was experiencing extreme adverse side effects from Prozac and was unable to work, socialize or even get out of bed. I had no idea what was going on and thought I was going crazy and would never be well again. When I went to my doctor for help, my doctor continued to increase my dose and then added benzos to help offset the side effects of the Prozac. My doctor had no answers for why I was feeling this way or experiencing any of these symptoms. I eventually came to realize on my own that it was the Prozac that was affecting me so badly. My doctor then told me to go ahead and go off cold turkey. I knew better and attempted to taper myself off the medications, way too quickly, which in turn created more symptoms and side effects. I was desperate and scared.

I called an addiction hot-line hoping they could point me in a direction that would help me withdrawal from this medication. The woman on the phone told me she knew of a great place and had someone call me back. I received a call back within two minutes. Diane called me and told me about the Alternative to Meds Center and she explained why I was having some of my symptoms. She put my mind at ease immediately. Finally, someone who could give me some answers and knew what I was talking about and going through.

I got on a plane two days later and arrived at ATMC. The house was beautiful and my driver was very reassuring. I was very scared to be so far away from home and felt desperate to return home. I quickly went to a staff member who shared with me that he knew how I felt and explained his story to me and how he was able to safely withdraw from his medications.  I felt very reassured. I continually went to different staff members who had no problem dropping what they were doing to explain what was happening and what to expect. This was a very important piece of my recovery.

I was taught how anti-depressants worked and the importance of nutrition, not only for recovery but for the rest of my life. I helped in the kitchen with a fantastic cook who taught me various ways of healthy cooking, not to mention his innate ability to cheer me up and pull me out of a pit. We had various speakers come in who only enhanced this program.

The entire staff at ATMC was incredible. I cannot express this enough. Each and every staff member had something helpful to offer me, even if it was to get me out in the community and talk about regular life and not to focus on withdrawing. I asked for regular counseling sessions and my counselor never hesitated to talk with me. He helped me find support groups for when I returned home and never judged me or my feelings. This meant a lot to me. The owner/founder was also very involved and encouraging. He knew what we were all going through and it made this program even more helpful. I am so grateful for the program he has started and continues to improve upon.

The doctor I worked with was incredibly helpful. He not only offered me information about my complications but he was compassionate and listened with interest in what I was saying. The blood tests and food allergy tests were also very extensive and informative and put some “science” into what I was experiencing.

I would recommend this center for anyone who is considering going off psychotropic medications of any kind. This is definitely a serious endeavor and should not be done on your own. The side effects and withdrawal symptoms I experienced at home were torturous and I wish I had not tried to taper off by myself. But I was glad I could go to ATMC to get help with this traumatic experience. They helped me in so many ways and I am forever grateful. Always remember to ask questions and seek help. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help.

I am someone with strong convictions and am not someone who would write a testimonial if I didn’t believe in what I was writing about. I feel it is important to say this and let folks out there know that they are NOT alone and there is help and hope. I searched endlessly trying to find someone who knew what was going on and how I felt and I found them.

Thanks to the entire staff at ATMC. I am so very grateful to ALL of you!!

Tracey

Denver, Colorado

When I came to Alternative to Meds Center I was going thru severe withdrawals from Methadone and Benzodiazepines [and was afflicted with Lupus]. Thru the tapering program, nutritional, and supplemental and therapeutic options provided, I was able to complete the detoxification process with minimal pain and discomfort. The staff was very accommodating and willing to answer any questions I had. I would recommend this establishment to anyone seeking a natural health alternative for healthy living.

Heather Rudbeck

When I came to Alternative To Meds center I was taking Lamictal, Geodon, Lorazepam, Ambien Cr, Levoxl, Estradiol, etc.

I was extremely depressed, suicidal, anxiety attacks and panic attacks to a point I couldn’t do my major job or function. During a fishing trip our boat capsized and I floated in diesel fuel until we were rescued. While at the center I was tested and found I had high levels of mercury. I’ve started the I.V. chelation therapy.

I’ve been here at the center for 2 weeks and I feel like I’m getting my life back, there is a sparkle in my eyes and a smile on my face most of the time. I have energy and feel some happiness again. My medications have been reduced at a comfortable rate so far. I couldn’t get myself off my meds but today I have hope. The food is very healthy to give me a whole body healing. And it tastes good too.

Tiki W.

1.) Feel hopeful
2.) No longer afraid of the night. I’m able to go back to sleep if I wake up early.
3.) Finally am getting relief from absolutely constant anxiety.
4.) Around people who understand where I’m at, what I’ve been through and sympathize.
5.) There are people around me who know how to help me – I no longer feel there’s no help.
6.) Learning to express how I feel and what I need, even though the fear is great.
7.) Feeling well enough to get out and walk places.
8.) Realizing I’m not alone.

Alternative to Meds Center helped me to get off my anti-anxiety pills. I have been taking prescription anti-anxiety pills for about 8 years. I have repeatedly went off and on them. The withdrawals even sent me to the emergency room. The last few years I have been on a steady very high amount. I just didn’t function without them.

Alternative to Meds Center has given me nutritional education and support, time and patience. That gave me the help I needed to get off this terrible so-called medication and for this I thank them.

Alternative to Meds Center has [also reduced] my drinking which was getting up to a case a day.

Thank you very much!

-E.B.