When I first got to the Alternative to Meds Center I was really excited to be here. When I got here I had been clean off Oxycontin for a week, and I felt better but still very drained. I could not wait to start the sauna program and I wanted to feel better. After doing sauna for a couple of days I started to notice a difference in the amount of energy I had and I was able to more activities, including running faster on the elliptical machine everyday. I was starting to be able to run faster, not get tired, and actually have more energy after running than I did when I first started. Same goes for the sauna, the first week when I got out, I was sleepy and drained but as time went on, I had more energy when coming out of the sauna and would be able to shower, go for a hike, go to class, etc. without feeling tired! I loved the amount of energy I had and how much sleep I was getting as well as how healthy I felt and how healthy I was eating. I had noticed a dramatic difference in everything about myself after doing sauna for one week, especially once I realized what re-stims actually were, that they could be memories of past drug use. The whole first week of sauna I was getting re-stims everyday, all day, and I couldn’t stop thinking about doing drugs.

By the 9th day I hadn’t thought about drugs for a few days. It was actually working, to my surprise, even if I tried to remember anything, I couldn’t. It’s like the memories had dulled out tremendously, and they had lost value to me. This was such an amazing feeling, I felt free of all those negative thoughts, I felt a lot lighter, like a heavy weight was lifted off of me and I was finally free! I felt clearer and stronger minded than ever! Now that my mind is clear and I can actually think for myself and now that I have all my energy and strength back, I feel like a new person. I feel like a kid again, and those were the best times of my life before doing drugs. I’m really grateful for this second chance I have been given to live the happy, prosperous life me and my boyfriend have been dreaming of. I feel more open minded and I don’t have any more negative thoughts flowing through my head. The sauna really rejuvenated my body, mind, and spirit. I’ve been so happy and laughing every day, all day. Not only do I feel 100% better, but I had a good time doing it! I can’t remember anything about drugs and I don’t want to remember, and I’ve replaced those thoughts with those of my future positive goals and my new perspective on living a healthier life. I wish this program could be available to every addict because I’ve seen people go in and out of a 5 day detox or 12 step program and just keep relapsing and its sad because they don’t know all those toxins are still in their bodies.

I feel like the sauna program is the most effective way to get rid of those toxins and cravings, and I’m so grateful for having come to the Alternative to Meds Center.

Now when me and my boyfriend go home, we will have the will, mind power, and strength to say “NO” to drugs and feel good about it as well. We will finally be able to start our lives together, clean and clear minded so we can make the right decisions for our selves. We want to have kids and teach them this happy, healthy way of life so that they will never have to go through the trauma of drug addiction like we both had to. I’ve definitely learned a lot while being here and I’m definitely going to take all of the knowledge I have learned home with me and try to teach others how to live a happy, positive life and let them know they don’t need anymore “happy pills” to feel good about life; it can happen naturally.

All I can say is how grateful I am to have gotten this second chance at life and for all the support my boyfriend and I received from our families and the staff here at ATMC!

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