My “Life” at “Alternative to Meds”

This experience and process literally saved my life. I walked through the doors on December 28, 2008 stoned and depressed, bewildered as to what to expect. I walked out on January 25, 2009 with a clear mind and a positive outlook on what my new life without drugs would be like.

I am a 51 year old woman and other than holding my mother in my arms as she passed away this is the hardest and most grueling experience that my mind and body has endured. After 30 years of being on various anti-depression drugs and benzodiazepines and to walk out a month later drug free is something that I would have never imagined I could have accomplished. It was not easy. Success doesn’t come without a lot of hard work. I had hit rock bottom and I had only had two alternatives……..getting busy living or getting busy dying.

With my hard work and all the patience, understanding, and hard work from the staff, “I made it”! I met a group of wonderful people, some of which I will remain life long friends with. Thank you to me and thank you to all of you.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Dametto

I attempted to detox and discontinue abusing opiates once before. I got a prescription for Soboxone from a doctor and tried to detox at home. I stayed clean for approximately 25 days, but I was overwhelmed with depression and anxiety; components of the long-term withdrawal effects from opiates. These symptoms were also present when I began the sauna program. Around ten to twelve days into the program, I noticed a significant shift in my mood as well as a much clearer mind. I no longer sit around worrying about my past and future; I am now able to “remain in the present” and enjoy my current situation. During my first attempt to quit I knew in the back of my mind that I would inevitably return to my addiction. This time, on the other hand, I feel quite confident in my ability to return home and remain sober. I am confident that I will start living and enjoying my life again, rather than hiding from it behind a drug-induced benevolence.

The sauna changed my life. After my taper I didn’t feel the best. Then I went to sauna 3 days later. After 2 weeks it had changed everything that I wanted. My attitude was great. I had a ton of energy. My mind was clear and I started to forget about OXY. I’m so much quicker in my thought process!! It’s amazing. I loved the sauna and what it did for me and the second chance it gave my life.

I absolutely love this program! It’s great to feel like a young kid again. I’ve never felt as good as I do now, ever before in my life. This program is extremely unique. The staff here is spectacular they genuinely care for each and every individual client. What makes it so great to me is that everyone of the staff is in recovery. Meaning they’ve lived and experienced both sides of life. I feel ecstatic about how clear minded I am. I thoroughly enjoy experiencing the sensitivity of all my newly heightened senses. My life has gone through a complete turn around from my past negative, self-destructive and life-ending way of life to a new way life where I am optimistic and really strive to help others. I want to thank everyone that has helped me get on this path to a new life. I especially would like to thank the staff for helping me save my life and never giving up on me.