I came to this facility immediately after being discharged from the emergency room, hoping for a…read moresafe and supportive detox experience. Unfortunately, from the moment I arrived, things went downhill.
Upon arrival, I was told to remove phone numbers from my phone before it was locked away. My luggage was taken, and I was told I wouldn't receive my clothes for 24-48 hours. I asked if I could at least have one outfit, and a security guard told me yes after checking my belongings.
When I arrived on the unit, the tech who greeted me offered no orientation at all--no explanation of where I was, what the rules were, or what I was supposed to do. I had to rely entirely on other patients for basic information.
Later, when I asked the tech to check with the security guard about my clothes, it seemed like there had been a shift change, because another guard denied any knowledge of that conversation. The tech told me she would get me one outfit, but throughout the day she kept giving me different excuses, clearly just trying to get me out of her face. Before her shift ended, she told me she'd get my clothes at 8 a.m. the next day.
That didn't happen.
I went over 48 hours without showering. When I continued to ask for my belongings, she told me there were people who had "been waiting way longer than me" and had a clear attitude. I finally snapped and was ready to leave until two counselors stepped in, convinced me to stay, and immediately got my clothes. Once that happened, my mood and outlook improved significantly.
Sleeping here was awful. The nurses wake you up every four hours to take vitals, which is incredibly disruptive when you're detoxing. I barely slept at all.
Phone access was another huge issue. The website is misleading--it does not clearly explain that phone calls can only be made in front of counselors, and at the time there was only one counselor available. That counselor was constantly busy, making it extremely difficult to call my family and let them know I was okay.
I briefly saw a doctor who prescribed my antidepressant medication. However, I was told I had to wait for the pharmacy to deliver it--and it never came during the entire four days I was there. As a result, I suffered from night terrors, hallucinations, and extreme irritability, all of which could have been avoided.
Many of the nurses were rude and dismissive. One serious incident involved a new roommate who began stealing my belongings. When I raised concern, a nurse mocked me by saying, "You're getting mad over a sandwich?"--completely missing the point that I had my wallet and valuables in the room.
Another nurse (a heavy-set Black male nurse) told us he wasn't moving anyone and that if we fought, we'd both be kicked out. Instead of de-escalating, he and another nurse were provoking and unprofessional. I requested a supervisor. Thankfully, the director and her assistant handled the situation professionally, de-escalated it, and treated me with respect.
Another major issue: this facility does not allow you to only detox. They push for a full rehab stay, and this was not clearly communicated upfront. I specifically came for detox only.
Group therapy was also poorly managed. Detox groups were constantly interrupted by staff and rehab patients walking in mid-session--even while people were venting. It was disrespectful, disruptive, and made it hard to feel safe opening up.
Overall, the facility felt severely understaffed, and asking for help often made me feel like a burden rather than a patient in need of care.
The Positives
The one standout counselor was Mr. James--an older, wise, kind man who was approachable and genuinely supportive. He made a difference.
The food was also very good. I genuinely enjoyed every meal--breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Final Thoughts
This place has potential, but serious changes need to be made in staff professionalism, communication, patient safety, and honesty about services offered. If you're considering coming here, know exactly what you're signing up for, ask direct questions, and advocate for yourself aggressively--or bring someone who can.
