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Report: #210152

Complaint Review: Alternative Treatment International - Clearwater Florida

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  • Reported By: Orlando Florida
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  • Alternative Treatment International 300 S. Duncan Ave. Clearwater, Florida U.S.A.

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On Monday July 3, 2006 I found Alternative Treatment International Inc. on the Internet, hoping to get help with my depression and alcohol problems. I called and spoke with the owner, Dr. Meyers on the phone. He said that it was very important for me to come in as soon as possible. He convinced me that his facility could help me, but I had to put down a $2,000 deposit right away to hold my place because they only had a few openings. The total cost of the program was $11,500.

I checked in to Alternative Treatment International Inc. or A.T.I. on Thursday morning July 13th at 10:00 a.m. I was feeling very depressed and tired when I checked in. Dr. Meyers greeted me, he is the person I spoke with on the telephone and I had confided to him about the reason why I wanted to be there. I was then introduced to numerous people that were in a rush and wanting me to sign forms. I then asked in between signing forms, if I could lye down. They allowed me to lye on a wicker sofa in the Meditation Room. I was not feeling well in a physical way. I was tired and severely depressed. I signed forms, dazed and confused, in and out of napping that afternoon.

I met my Therapist, Charles. I deeply told him so much about why I was there and so desperately wanted to resolve my deep issues. He seemed very easy and calm to talk to. I later then met my assigned Psycho- Therapist named Lind Lu.

That afternoon, we (The Group) were loaded into a 10-passenger van and taken to Mac Alpine Place Apartments. This was the living quarters for the facility. It is about a 10-minute drive from A.T.I. It takes about 10-15 minutes to load and unload everyone to each apartment, because the Technicians have to unlock and let everyone into their units. The technicians, are employees of A.T.I. who drive you from destination to destination. They also give medication to each client, supposedly on a schedule.

On the way down to the van, I had to carry my luggage that I had brought down a flight of stairs. A few other patients helped me. I brought one large suitcase and two small carry-ons, along with several tote size bags, and a queen sized Temporpedic Mattress Topper. The Internet pictures had shown queen-size beds in every room, so I thought I would make my 28-day stay comfortable, like my home. When I had spoke to Dr. Meyers on the phone, he said I could bring anything to make myself comfortable. I reconfirmed this conversation by e-mail, and he replied Anything but drugs or alcohol and pets. I was told that I would have help carrying all of my things since the elevators were broken that day.

Being tired and on edge, I shouted out, to a very tall and thin member of the Group, Please be careful, I have sensitive items, like my lap-top or I-pod) in there! He was dragging my luggage, step by step, on the weight of itself. I later become to know this person as Shawn.

As I arrived at the apartment, I was disappointed to see that there was a very small twin bed in my room. I asked the Technician where the bed was that was shown to me on the Internet, and she said, They should change that so it doesn't seem better than it actually is.

I then met Denise, one of the technicians. She searched all my belongings and counted each item. At this time I discovered my suitcase that Shawn carried was ruined.

We all piled backed into the van and headed to the grocery store. They allotted us $70 to buy our food for a week. I notified the technician that I had only $60 in my envelope. She handed another $10 to me. I was familiar with the Publix grocery store food chain, so my shopping was completed within a half hour.

We all headed back to the apartment after sorting out our groceries and returning to our own units. After meeting Chrissy, my roommate, I went to bed. I was feeling very tired and lonely.

I woke up the next morning abruptly hearing a male voice in the apartment yelling what I thought sounded like Meditation! He knocked on my bedroom door and asked again, and I replied No thanks. I fell back asleep for about an hour. I was under the assumption that we started our day at 10 :00 a.m., so that we would be leaving the apartment at 9:45. I wasn't notified of the schedule and hurried to gather my things for the day.

Within 24 hours of checking in, I started to feel ill, including: symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramping and vomiting. That day, I made sure the staff aware of my condition. I was looked over quickly, but I did not have my temperature checked, medical recommendations or medication given to me. I kept asking for medication for my diarrhea but they did not have anything on hand. We had to wait till we dropped everyone off before I could go to the pharmacy. Finally, around 7:00 p.m., I was taken to the store and I purchased my own medication. I went to bed feeling even worse. I hardly slept that evening. I was feeling very feverish and the diarrhea was unbearable.

The following day I had to accompany the Group to the beach for the day. My symptoms continued and were getting much worse. They told me I had to go with them whether I was sick or not. The staff kept commenting on how they thought I had withdrawal symptoms. I informed them they were not symptoms from alcohol, that I was really sick. I had to sit out in the sun with a fever and diarrhea all day.

I kept pleading all day with the different technicians on staff to check my temperature. They said that they were not allowed.

After a long day at the beach we returned to the apartments. I was feeling very ill at his time. I was told I had to accompany the Group again to Congo River Crazy Golf that evening.

When we arrived there, I immediately got out of the van and headed to the restroom. I was dizzy and nauseas. I let Robert, one of the technicians, be aware of my condition. He said he had no idea of any of my symptoms.

I asked if I could get my temperature checked. They staff denied me and said all they could do is take me to the Walk-In Clinic. I went to a Clinic with a member of the staff and it was closed.

They said they could take me to the hospital, but I thought maybe I would take my temperature and monitor myself before I were to make my own decision. I thought I could try to tuff it out till the next morning and then go to the Dr's Walk-In Clinic.

I purchased a thermometer from a drug store after pleading with technician several times. My temperature was 101 degrees. I took some Tylenol Cold Liquid hoping my fever would come down. I went to bed at 10:00 p.m.

I woke up at 2:00 a.m. with a temperature of 102.7 degrees. I took a cold shower and checked it again. It was 103.1 degrees. I called a staff member to take me to the emergency room. They said they only had one technician on staff so I would have to go on my own.

I called the technician again. He called a cab for me after I told him how I was feeling. He also said that I was probably going through withdrawal symptoms.

I arrived at the emergency room at around 3:15 a.m. on July 16th, 2006. I was treated immediately with an I.V. and had blood work done by the attending physician.

They diagnosed me with a bacteria infection. The Dr. on staff wrote me a prescription for an antibiotic called Ciprofloxacin to be taken twice a day for 10 days.

The next morning, Denise threatened to have me discharged from the program for my behavior. She said that I shouldn't have checked in there until I De-Toxed. She said I acted rudely to the other clients. I told her I was sorry, that I just wanted to rest and I was very ill. I had only had 5-6 hours of sleep within the past few days. She asked if I had more paperwork form the hospital. I showed her everything I received. She waited the entire morning and half of the afternoon to take me to the pharmacy to get my prescription filled.

The following week the Directors reprimanded me for my actions that I had taken to relieve my sickness. They said I broke the rules by leaving and going to the hospital. I asked them what was the procedure that they had in place for illness. They said You're supposed to be de-toxed before you're here. I explained to them how seriously ill I was and they still thought I was having withdrawal symptoms. They wanted to see more paperwork from the hospital.

I gave them the copy of what the Dr. at the hospital gave me and they kept insisting that there should have been other forms. They were under the assumption that I was holding back information. I told them that the hospital would take a few days to receive the test back on what type of bacteria strain I had.

They had me apologize to the Group for my behavior. I was very sick and tired and I will admit I was a bit bitchy. I felt that I was treated unfairly, but I did as they requested.

Later that week the hospital gave me my results of my bacteria. It was Salmonella bacteria. I was later called by the Health Department and they notified me in how serious the illness was.

No one apologized to me or seemed to care too much.

I continued with my treatment and therapy for the next week. I felt like I was on the right track to my road to recovery.

One of the other Therapists named Susan told me how she thought I was opening up and how she thought I was progressing with the Group. I wished she were my Therapist. I really liked her.

Over my few weeks there, I saw Charles twice and Linda Lu twice for private counseling. It seemed to me like everyone else was getting more private sessions. They said we would have counseling everyday.

That week we also met with an ordanified Monk named Bhanty. He was very interesting and peaceful. I took copious note from his visit.

We had a few other guest speakers that were interesting. There was a Nutritionist, Chiropractor and a Hypto-Thereapist that were also very informative.

On Friday July 28th, 2006 the Directors again in a meeting approached me again, including the Program Director Marsha, Charles, Susan and Linda. Dr. Meyers was not at this meeting either. Apparently I had said something to one of the other clients to upset her. The Directors felt that I was insensitive and that none of the other clients wanted me there. I was completely in disbelief because most of the clients were very nice to me.

How could this be? This place was about spirituality and peace.

The problem was apparently an over dramatized event that had happened the evening before. Denise, the same technician that threatened me before, on our way to pick up my prescription for Nexium, screamed me at. She told me to apologize to Ann for a comment I had made earlier that evening. I had asked Ann in the Van if she realized how loud she was talking in my ear while we were in the van. I told Denise I would talk to Ann and settle it with her on my own. Denise told me that she thought I acted like a Prima Donna and nobody there wanted me there. I told her she needed to calm down and let me work out my own issues. She was furiously screaming at the top of her lungs at me. She threatened to get me removed from the program again. I told her that I was going to file a complaint against her. She then turned around denying me to go to the pharmacy to get my Nexium prescription.

I left a message on the main phone number voice mail for Dr. Meyers to call me. I was threatened again by Denise to be discharged from the program and I needed to talk with someone. I did not receive a response.

I later saw Ann by the pool area and told her I was sorry if I had hurt her feelings. She said she had no problem with me.

I was feeling confused about my choice of this program. I felt like nobody wanted me there and they wanted to get rid of me.

While I was being reprimanded again, we had a conference call with my boyfriend to make him aware of what was happening. They said they would give me a Second Chance and see how the weekend would work out.

Later that day, we had a group session so that everyone could reflect his or her feelings on what had happened. To my surprise, a few clients were upset with me.

One of the Therapist, Susan, stood by me and approached the Group by saying, We are all adults here, if anyone has a problem with Kelly, say it now.

Ann said I did hurt her feelings. I asked her Why didn't you say anything when I asked you? She replied Your right Kelly.

From there another client named Paige screamed said she was tired of my negativity too. I told her I never knew of her anger towards me because I had only met her two days prior. She was apparently upset by the event that happened between Ann and I. In the conversation, I brought up our teachings of what Bhanty the monk had told us the day earlier about peace and calmness. I told her that maybe she has ill feelings toward herself that is why she is directing them someone else. That, someone else was I. She left the room and said she was going to leave the program.

This created an open chain of events for everyone to open up. Shawn said he had listened to my negative comments as well and was there to concentrate on himself. I replied, I am here to work on myself as well. Why didn't you tell me your feelings? I was feeling singled out.

I said Isn't that why we are all here? If you all can't cope with me, how are you going to cope with the world when you are finished with the program?

Then another client Rachel spoke, she said, Your perception is not our reality. I said my perception is what I feel and I am here to resolve my own issues.

I was learning a lot about other people's feelings. Isn't that why I was there? So that I can work through my problems, not be patronized for them?

I felt alone and confused. Everyone was so nice to me before. I had even cooked for the Group several times and thought I bonded with everyone. Even though one of the times I was suppose to be reimbursed by everyone equally and it did not happen, I didn't complain.

I had money missing from my purse and didn't say anything. I thought it was my own fault for trusting others.

I observed the others closely that weekend while taking notes on some of their comments and behavior.

These are some of the things I wrote down in my notepad.

Shelia: It isn't fair how the technicians let Rick and Rachel do things together and not him and I

Ann: They are never on time to pick us up!

Becky: That technician is really creepy! He should be turned in for sexual harassment!

My observance: One of the clients named Sarah gave her phone number to some guy that was playing guitar at a restaurant on the beach that day. The technicians were aware of it. That was supposedly breaking the rules.

Also, over the weekend, despite what everyone had said about me, I tried desperately to make it up to him or her. When my boyfriend visited, he downloaded music on Rachel's I-pod because Sarah had previously erased all her music weeks before.

On Monday morning July 24th, I apparently it didn't live up to their guidelines.

They said that I had broken a rule by having my boyfriend assist me in fixing my laptop in the living quarters. My roommate had her boyfriend in our place the week before, so I thought it was okay. They also told my boyfriend that they made him aware that there were not to be visitors in the apartments. This is not true. He told Marsha on the conference call that she was lying and she did not have any reply.

My Psycho-Therapist Linda Lu did a check- out 10-minute session on me. She said that people might be scared of my energy.

I checked into A.T.I. to receive help with my addictions and emotional problems. It is recognized as a Non- 12 Step Program. They are supposed to promote peace, good energy and wellness. I felt the opposite from some of the staff and the technicians.

I never received information or education on alcoholism or addiction while I was there.

In completion of the program, I was suppose to have an after treatment plan set up for me. Because I was discharged early, I didn't have notice to have any therapy or support group arranged.

On Monday morning July 31st, they asked me to voluntarily leave and I would not. So they asked me to leave on my 19th day of treatment. I was supposed to be there for a 28-day treatment.

I have recently relapsed and I am experiencing greater depression than before I checked in to their program. I am now struggling to overcome this unfortunate decision and continue my life. I have attended A.A. for the first time in my life to aid with my own recovery.

They had no real ground for discharging me. I did not drink or use drugs while I was in there. A few of the clients were emotionally more instable than I and could not get along with me. I do not think anyone should be kicked out of rehab for this. If people are that sensitive, they should be in a sanitarium or some type of other facility.

They wanted me out of there so they could get another victim in them rip them off.

I haven't benefited very much from their program and certainly do not think I should have to pay the full amount.

The owner, Dr. Meyers, would not listen to us or return our phone calls. He is an arrogant and rude businessman that I feel is in the business for profit and not for compassion like they say they are.

I am in process of looking to try and retrieve a partial refund.

I feel they broke their contract with me and did not deliver what they promised to do. In summary, I feel I should not pay for the entire treatment. I did not receive the full commitment from them because:

1. They denied me medical attention for my illnesses twice
2. Constantly tried to get me to leave the program instead of helping me.
3. They never addressed root of alcoholism addiction.
4. Didn't have living quarters as promised.
5. They created self- doubt in myself more so then when I checked in.
6. They did not set up any after care program for me.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline
Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 09/08/2006 09:50 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/alternative-treatment-international/clearwater-florida-33755/alternative-treatment-international-alcohol-and-depression-treatment-center-non-12-ste-210152. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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#4 General Comment

Beware of Such Parties

AUTHOR: Fraud Watchdog - (USA)

POSTED: Friday, November 06, 2015

Beware of so-called alternative recovery treatment facilities, which are becoming an increasing concern. Watch for potential red flags, such as founders and directors who have records of serious difficulties or misconduct which effectively drove them out of other industries. One example compelling very careful scrutiny is the Empower addiction center in Clearwater, Florida, founded and headed by James Dillon. Dillon (who often uses the alias of "Ram Gian Sing"), also founded and headed the notorious Passport Marine Corporation (of Miami and St. Petersburg, et al) which was bankrupted and permanently shut down because of his business practices, and the subject of a host of customer, client, vendor, financial institution, governmental, and judicial, complaints, investigations and legal actions. Florida needs to more carefully regulate and monitor these addiction businesses.

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#3 Consumer Comment

Excellent experience at Alternative Treatment International

AUTHOR: Cathie - (United States of America)

POSTED: Monday, October 22, 2012

I have been a recent client at Alternative Treatment International (ATI) and felt they provided exceptional care. While I am not in a position to debate the writer's experience, I do want to introduce my own.

I found the perfect fit at ATI for my treatment of alcoholism, depression and anxiety. I had attended a number of 12-step rehabilition facilities/programs and felt something was missing. At ATI, a non-12-step facility, I experienced a very caring, qualified and professional staff. They do a wonderful job of combining professional psychological, psychiatric and medical care, along with the beauty of a holistic approach through their Mind, Body, Spirit and Environment methods. It was a very spiritual experience which led to a deeper understanding of life's potential. ATI provided me with the ability to gain an understanding of the reasons I engaged in alcoholism, and experienced depression and anxiety. I learned to take a different approach in my life, one which is much more fulfilling and full of joy. ATI removed any shame I felt due to alcoholism, depression and anxiety. I'm no longer a slave to these, I'm free.


I highly recommend ATI to anyone who is suffering!



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#2 Consumer Suggestion

Big Book, Sponsors, and Other Suggestions

AUTHOR: Russ - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, September 10, 2006

To Jaqueline-I agree with Chris..treatment centers are difficult, but they are only there for discovery, not recovery.

I have 9 years SOBER. AA is for those with problems with alcohol (see AA preamble). If there are problems with drugs, seek NA or CA.

If, Jackie, you want what we have (contented long term sobriety, and the freedom of a happy life) and are willing to go to any lengths to get it, then you are ready to take certain steps.

Get a sponsor-not someone who just "talks the talk" at meetings, but someone who has a lifestyle and values you can respect;

Read AA's literature-it gives you an idea of what people have done to recover, and gives you a blueprint for recovery;

Go to meetings-there are lots of meetings in Orange and Seminole counties-Eastside, Central House, Miracles Happen (in Bithlo), as well as numerous churches scattered throughout the area. Call Orange County Intergroup for more info;
LISTEN-too many newcomers, fresh out of rehab, think they have all the answers to staying sober. Nonsense. Listen to the people that have 90 days, a year, 10 years, 30 years. They have done something you haven't, stayed sober for a period of time. If you must speak at meetings, especially for the 1st 90 days, ask questions only;

Keep an open mind-there are lots of people in recovery with lots of ideas and opinions. You don't have to agree with everyone, but you do have to give them the opportunity to express themselves. Who knows, the best suggestions may come from the most unlikely sources;

Believe-in yourself, in the process, in the future. The light at the end of the tunnel may be you!

Read the Big Book, pg. 152.

Get back to us here when you can.

Good Luck!

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#1 Consumer Suggestion

Keep up your faith and Keep working day by day.

AUTHOR: Chris - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, September 10, 2006

I read your report and would like to offer you some advice. Going to treatment can be a VERY hard time in your life. You are put into rooms with people you dont know and are suppose to open your whole entire life to them. this is a very scary thought and I'm with you on that!

Personally I dont know anything about non-12 step programs, But you do say that you have gone to AA now, When you first leave treatment the motto is 90 in 90 (meaning 90 meetings in 90 days)I would suggest that you do this, Also I would encourage you to find someone who has long time sobriety and that you feel comfortable with and seek a sponser with that person, this person can really help you.

What I would really like to say is "Jacqueline DONT GIVE UP"! wake up every morning and say "just for today" I will not use or drink, Dont think about tommorrow, next week, or next month, Just worry about today!

I really do hope the best for you and will keep you in my prayers, Please know that your NOT alone in your struggle.

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