Why These Real Medication Recovery Stories Matter
For better or for worse, each of us has a profound influence on those around us. When drug dependence or addiction issues interfere with work, personal relationships, and family connections, life suffers for all.
By the same token, when healing occurs, this can also have a profound positive effect on those around us. The stories like Kristen’s, and the other real recovery stories we feature below, can act as beacons of light for anyone suffering through the storm, who is looking for hope, searching for answers, and seeking real help.
There is perhaps no lonelier existence than when one is cut off from loved ones, and when one’s faith in oneself is dwindling, and when hope has found no safe harbor.
We are sharing these stories because they can uplift one’s spirits and provide a pathway of trust and confidence, showing that recovery is truly possible, that there are resources available to help, and that you are not alone.
T’s Drug and Alcohol Recovery Success Story
After a 12-year struggle with recreational drugs and alcohol, Tyler came to ATMC and found the freedom he had been looking for and the tools to maintain that freedom from here on out. Here is a segment from his success story.
The program revolved around rebuilding the basic and essential blocks of life through diet, supplements, removing of toxins built up in everyday life, and spiritual/emotional well being. Within a week or two of being on the diet and supplement plan I was already feeling much better. I was feeling cleaner, both mentally and physically. I had no cravings for my previous drugs of choice. I used every facet of the program to try and become a better, more adaptive person, and it worked.
The staff worked with me throughout the entire process, in a personal and professional manner. They know what they’re talking about and truly practice what they preach. The atmosphere was unparalleled to any treatment facility I had previously been in or researched prior to my arrival. They care here, and it’s noticed in every staff member, in the interactions with other residents, and in yourself. I never thought I would be able to feel like I had prior to all the abuse I had put myself through, but how wrong I could have been.
I went through four weeks as a resident and four weeks in the aftercare program, as a buffer for what lay ahead. I was able to reacquaint myself with the routines and behaviors to live a successful drug-free life. I learned many skills through the groups and therapies provided and through my own work based on the principles taught to me. My health was put at the forefront of my recovery. I felt (and still feel) that I’m winning this struggle and that I will keep on winning if I follow the same protocol developed for me here.
The quality of life promised is the quality of life you get.
Benzodiazepines: F’s Successful Recovery Story
After becoming lost in her life’s journey, and unable to function for herself and her family, F came to ATMC for help with a crippling benzodiazepine dependence. Here are some reflections about her recovery experience.
I’d become a zombie, I’d become the shadow of myself, I’d become my own sadness and pain and fears. I could not be myself anymore so I subconsciously decided to slowly die.
My will power was lost at this point and my life was no longer in my possession. The medicines possessed me. I felt I was living in shadow and darkness.
My life before sobriety was not a life. It was a slow, perpetual sentence to death. I knew from the very beginning I was looking for a place in the mountains, a place specializing in medication tapering, alternative therapies and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a place that emphasized supplementation and a good diet. And ATMC was it. I was on a dose of 2.5 mg of Xanax when I came to ATMC. I was going to go for only a month, because I felt I was already leaving my two daughters, my job, my husband and my other responsibilities for too long. I actually didn’t realize that the real work wouldn’t start until near the end of the first month. So I decided to stay longer, and I’m totally happy that I did so. More than anything else, self-love is what I learned during my stay at ATMC.
B’s Antipsychotics Recovery Success
After suffering a psychotic break, B was put on the antipsychotic Clozaril. College enrollment was delayed due to hospitalization, but a drop in white blood cells caused by the drug necessitated coming off the drug, a hellish experience. Some time after, the Clozaril was reinstated. Still, the nightmare continued until B discovered ATMC and decided to come to the center for proper tapering help and a path to recovery for holistic treatment and elimination of problematic symptoms.
Everyday was a struggle just to get out of bed due to the side effects of Clozaril. I did some research and read the countless success stories of antipsychotic withdrawals and figured this would be the best bet for me to successfully taper off of Clozaril. I am now close to graduating at the center and have now completely tapered off of Clozaril.
The people here at the center have been very supportive throughout this process. I have built many friendships here that I will surely never forget. I am confident that I am on my way back to continue my education and get my life back on track.
ATMC Clients Share Their Insights into Successful Recovery
While every client at ATMC is a unique individual, some universal insights about recovery from drug dependence and addiction are shared among many client journeys.
Clients have experienced the advantages of regular exercise, nutrition, including supplementation, personal counseling, sound healing and music therapy, yoga, Equine therapy, sauna cleanse, Qigong, nebulized glutathione and IV treatments, and much more, and their insights reveal the benefits of these and other holistic therapies used at ATMC.4-10
Insights about successful recovery include:
- Gradual tapering under medical supervision is the safest, most comfortable route
- Nutritional, emotional, spiritual & physical support are all important
- Building meaningful connections with others builds reciprocal strength
- You need a tool set that works, and if you use those tools, you will find success
Life After Medication Withdrawal: How Does Life Look Now?
Medication withdrawal and beginning a gentle taper is the first, and potentially one of the most vulnerable-feeling parts of the journey. This is why ATMC strives to provide 24/7 care, precise monitoring, ongoing and immediate care, and withdrawal assistance. A calm and relaxed approach eases the withdrawal and tapering experience. And, thankfully, once this part of the recovery process is well underway and completed, remarkable changes are commonly reported. Are you curious about mental health after properly tapering or withdrawal?
Here are some examples from our clients about how life after withdrawal can begin to look:
Positive emotions and feelings replace numbness, discomfort, and negativity- The capacity for experiencing pleasure and a sense of well-being increases
- Ability to relax and enjoy good quality sleep
- Appetite returns, or normalizes, where it has been out of balance
- Greater energy, increased ability to physically move the body without fatigue or discomfort
- Increased interest in others, and in one’s surroundings, replacing isolation and introversion
- A new appreciation for sensory perceptions, sight, smell, taste, etc.
- Self-love, feelings of connection, gratitude, and compassion return
- A newfound sense of authentic responsibility to care for oneself and for others
- New interests and goals can emerge,and enhancements to lifestyle can flourish
- Empowered overall confidence in self
- Real hope for the future and in striving for personal goals
ATMC’s Role in Mediation Recovery
ATMC offers a well-staffed, safe, and comfortable environment for experiencing recovery. ATMC also provides the tools needed to forge a path to recovery on multiple levels, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The tools provided can be used throughout one’s life for continued success.
You can review a summary of the protocols and methods used in the programs on our services overview pages.
There is much to understand about correct medication withdrawal, safe tapering protocols, and why neurotoxin removal, lab testing, and nutrition are such important fundamentals in any successful recovery process.
For More Information About ATMC
For more information on the programs offered at ATMC, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to tell you more about what to expect, the types of holistic treatments that are offered, discuss what would be the recommended length of stay, insurance coverage, or any other matters of interest to you. Take time to review the wealth of protocols and types of holistic treatments that are waiting for you here at the center.
We have been helping clients with recovery success for nearly 2 decades, and our success rate is very high. Whether you or a loved one is interested in holistic recovery from medication, after drug dependence, freeing oneself from addiction, remedying mental health issues, or a combination of these, please call — we are happy to discuss your situation and needs. We offer the transformative power of holistic recovery, so you can begin to live your own personal recovery success story.
But not at ATMC.
