The following is a collection of commonly asked questions about the PROMETA Treatment Program as answered by a real patient. While each person's recovery experience will be different, it's important to understand your treatment options and we felt the best way to provide that information was to ask a real patient and let them tell you in their own words.
First ,here's a little bit of background of the patient who'll be answering the questions.
John: I am a 48-year old man. I began drinking and taking drugs in my teens, at first recreationally and later daily... My first treatment center was a 28-day program. I was 33 years old and I remained sober 29 days, relapsing the day after I graduated from the program. My addictions were to cocaine, heroin and alcohol. This was the first of many treatment centers and the shortest. I have been through 9 programs with the longest being 9 months for a grand total of 33 months of residential treatment. I have participated in many and various forms of therapies both inside and outside of these facilities. Although they have in most cases been enlightening and informative, they have not helped me stay sober.
Since the first treatment center at 33 until finding Prometa at 46, I have not maintained sobriety more than one week outside of residential treatment. I cannot tell you how profound an effect the Prometa Treatment Program has had not only on my life but on the lives of my family and friends. I have a huge debt of gratitude to both Prometa and my treating physician, Dr. Matthew Torrington.
Question #1) What was the actual treatment like?
John: The treatment itself was performed in the offices of the Prometa Center by Dr. Torrington in September 2006 over a three day period, with a 2-day follow up three weeks later. The procedure consisted of intravenous fluids, and a regime consisting of two prescription medications taken orally, and supplemental vitamins. The staff was very professional and kept me informed at each stage of the treatment.
Question #2) When did you notice a change?
John: From the first treatment, I could feel a change. I had great expectations going into this and was certainly surprised with the speed and effect from the outset. The greatest impact for me was that thoughts that previously became obsessive and then turned into compulsive and uncontrollable actions, totally ceased to grab me any more!
Question #3) What difference did you feel after the treatment?
John: I was amazed at my clarity of mind and thought. I felt like a fog had been lifted, creating a window of opportunity that I had never experienced before. I did not experience cravings or obsessive thoughts about using, even when I found myself in situations that normally triggered these feelings.
Question #4) Did the change you felt after the treatment "wear off" for you?
John: I honestly cannot say if these effects have worn off, but I do feel that I have changed immensely. I can say the feeling of a fog lifting has just become my normal state today. This is not to say every day is perfect or that every decision I’ve made has been perfect. But I have done much work in changing what were habitual or automatic responses to situations, which were previously based on the patterns I learned as an addicted person clouded by my drug-induced view of the world.
Question #5) Did you have any side effects?
John: The side effects from the treatment itself were fairly minimal: loss of appetite and fatigue, both of these dissipated within days.
Question #6) What did you do to stay clean and sober after the medical treatments?
John: Remaining sober was the next part of the battle. Working with Dr. Torrington and the staff at the Prometa Center helped me create a daily regimen. This consisted of a balanced diet, AA meetings, steps, fellowship, and regular dialogue with Dr. Torrington as well as individual therapy.
Question #7) Do you think it was worth it?
John: Prometa has had the most profound and beneficial effect not only on my life, but also on the lives of my family and friends.
Question #8) Do you think you could have gotten clean - and stayed clean for this long - without Prometa?
John: My history has proved to me that without the Prometa Treatment Program and the diligence and commitment of the Prometa Center staff and Dr. Torrington, my successes would be limited to hours, not days or years. For this I have limitless gratitude...
