Well I came into this program with a lot of HOPE and I gave it 110 percent and it all worked out. I was doing a lot of oxycontin like 5 to 800mgs a day so I had some work to do. I honestly was pretty skeptical of the whole program when I first started I detox, I kept an open mind, listened to my instructors, Jimmy, Cassie and Amanda and it all paid off. Some of the wins that I had were amazing. I’m a musician so my songwriting came back to me in full force after about 15 days and everything was sounding the best it’s ever sounded even all doped up, when songwriting is supposed to be the “Best”! My sex drive hit about 6 days in and whoa—my lady showed up about 3 days after that and I’m pretty sure she was happy to have the old me back! I have always been a good father but since after day 2 or 3 of the program I had this overwhelming urge to go home and be the best. My son is at a point where he really looks up to me; 13 and I just really want to show him how to be a good solid man.

I really didn’t know if that strong craving for oxy would ever leave my brain. Every morning for the first 3 ½ weeks it felt like a part of my brain was missing. The cravings are way down and my brain came back. So—yeah, I’m a believer in this program, the supplements, the nutrition are a huge factor in feeling good. I came to ATMC weighing 245 and now I’m at 219 and feel much better. Our chef, Maurice, really has this program down pat. He has given me the tools to take home also so my family can live a healthier, less weighed down life. Along with nutrition comes exercise, and I think this is the biggest key to feeling good.

So, basically, thank all of you guys for getting me back into fighting shape and for helping me get that huge monkey off my back. I don’t ever wanna be dope sick again and I think that alone is enough to keep my ass away from the devil “Oxycontin.”

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

I am a sixteen year opiate user, and have escalated my drugs of choice to oxycontin. Prior to coming to ATMC I was chewing 240mg oxy. I had tried numerous times to detox at home with obviously no success. One night I gathered the courage to reach out for help, and found myself on the crisis line with Dianne. She informed me that there was help out there and that she could help me reach my objective. This was to come off opiates ASAP! With in four days of speaking with Dianne I found myself in San Francisco at the ATMC center. That was a week ago, today I am going home with a clear plan on how to stay sober. The nutritional aspect of the program played a key role in ensuring I feel comfortable during my detox. “I feel good, really good!” And I thank all the staff and clients at ATMC for helping me with my recovery.

Thanks Jill