Hello,

My name is Jill and I want to share some information that allowed me
to get over my alcohol and drug addictions. I completed a 6 week
intensive outpatient program that literally removed my intense craving
for alcohol and codeine. I also am depression free for the first time
in over 20 years. I went to the Health Recovery Center in Charleston,
SC (beautiful coastal city). If anyone has specific questions, I'll
do my best to answer them... Please read further...



"In the 21st century, treatment of alcoholism and drug addictions, and
all their accompanying symptoms: depression, anxiety, insomnia,
fatigue, mood swings..., will focus primarily on physical repair by
restoring biochemical balance."

Our approach to alcoholism is based on science, more
specifically orthomolecular medicine. As you look through our pages,
know that we welcome your thoughts and observations. Our e-mail
address is hrc@healthrecovery.com

Perhaps you've heard that excessive drinking is a character
defect---decadent behavior brought on by a lack of self-control.
Proponents of this philosophy champion the psychological approach to
treatment. The success rate for this approach is less than 20% after a
one year review ... about as successful as striving for abstinence
without treatment

Then there's Alcoholics Anonymous. A wonderful network of
psychological support for alcoholics. Their success rate is unknown;
however, we do know that AA members represent less than 4% of the
alcoholics in the USA. Regardless of how you feel about AA, one truth
should be noted: physical symptoms caused by the biochemical
disruption of alcohol abuse are not corrected by attending meetings or
calling sponsors. Alcoholics who chose to do no more than attend AA
meetings to maintain sobriety may indeed never take another drink,
however, they will also suffer with many "physical" symptoms of a
disrupted biochemistry: cravings, anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood
swings, etc ... unless they take steps to correct the damage done to
their bodies and brains. From a physical standpoint, AA's 12 step
philosophy offers nothing but many painful years of "white knucklin'
it".

But take heart!

The latest approach to treat alcoholism is based on a new
scientific understanding of the disease as a disruption to the
biochemistry. For 20 years Health Recovery Center has pioneered and
carefully perfected a new approach to treatment known as biochemical
restoration. Recovery due to this form of treatment has proven to be
far more successful than anyone had imagined: 74% success rate in a
recent 2-31/2 year follow-up study. In addition, symptoms associated
with alcoholism: cravings, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue,
etc., are usually eliminated or greatly reduced.



Imagine... an end to cravings, depression, and emotional
instability while restoring optimal health.

At Health Recovery Center, this concept is both achievable and
predictable; we back it up with:

* A New Understanding
* A New Approach
* Proven Results



Our Mission

Alcoholism is a physical disease. Alcohol and drugs are powerful
chemicals. They disrupt and alter brain chemistry and body systems.
(This is affirmed by hundreds of research papers.) This damage
requires specific biochemical repair, as well as therapy.

Not All are Vulnerable. Problems with alcohol and drugs occur in
people with unique chemistry inherited through genetics. Problems do
"run in families." (There are at least 3 "types" specifically at risk
to alcohol.)

"Loss of Control" is Real. In alcoholics, ongoing use alters brain
chemistry, causing addiction for which willpower is no match.
Willpower can't lift depression or stop cravings caused by chemical
disruption. Anxiety, irritability, mental confusion, and irrational
thinking are often caused by physical disruption of the brain and
central nervous system. "Talk cannot reverse these conditions...
biochemical repair must occur."

The AMA and World Health Organization define alcoholism as a
physical disease. A Federal Verdict in 1982 ruled, "Alcoholism is a
physical disease and not a mental disorder ...This court is unaware of
any disease that so directly and persistently results in death." (3rd
leading cause of death in the US).



Who We Serve

Our programs serve persons 16 years and older whose dependency on
alcohol and/or drugs causes physiological or psychological distress. A
no cost, initial assessment is offered by appointment.

Our Program

A new approach focuses on major Biochemical Renewal. HRC has
pioneered a powerful addition of biochemical repair and restoration.
Brain/body health and stability are restored and control is regained.
In conjunction with our physician, HRC assesses and restores physical
health via medical appointments, laboratory tests, and nutritional
counseling.

Positive and Caring Counseling: The Rational Emotive Therapy used
at HRC leads individuals to self-awareness and personal understanding.
They learn effective tools to take control of responsible decision
making, while rebuilding a sense of self worth. HRC conducts all group
sessions in a supportive, non-confrontive style.

Extensive Individual Work: Each person is unique biochemically as
well as psychologically. Individual weekly counseling sessions allow
client/counselor to determine needs in order to set, monitor, and
achieve individual goals.

Unique Family Support: Weekly lectures and group meetings are
built around family involvement. In non-confrontive ways, families
discover new understandings as well as traits "common" to members with
shared genetics. Much relief comes from learning specific and
reversible reasons for the many behaviors they have struggled with.

Treatment that Works! With this new understanding and the added
element of biochemical repair, success is predictable and certain for
most.

Our Results

Since the program's inception in 1981: One year follow-ups have
consistently yielded "abstinent and stable" outcomes for most of our
graduates. Our long term follow-up study, (published in the
International Journal of Bio-social and Medical Research) yielded
"abstinent and stable results" at 1 to 3 1/2 years for 74% of the
graduates...far above the success results attained by conventional
treatment.

What Research has Shown: Conventional "talk therapy" treatment
alone yields far less effective results than treatment including
biochemical repair. The consistent findings of hundreds of studies
published over the last two decades yield abstinence-at-follow-up
results no better than 20 - 25%.

Total Health Restoration: By using specific bio-chemical repair,
more than abstinence is achieved. A wide rage of symptoms (cravings,
depression anxiety, mental confusion, fatigue, and more) are
eliminated. Other health changes also occur (i.e., blood pressure
normalizes, allergies clear, medications may become unnecessary,
stamina and energy improve).


Gerald and G. Saenger, "The Abstinent
Alcoholic", Archives of General Psychiatry 6
(1962): pp 83- 95.

C. D. Emrich, "A Review of Psychologically
Oriented Treatments of Alcoholism, I"
Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol 35,
No. 2 (1974): pp 523- 549.

C. D. Emrich, "A Review of Psychologically
Oriented Treatments of Alcoholism, II"
Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol 36,
(1975): pp 88- 107.

V. Polick, D. Aarmor and H. Bracker, "The
Course of Alcoholism, Four Years after
Treatment", Santa Monica: Rand Corp.,
(1980): pp 169- 70.

George Vaillant, "The Natural History of
Alcoholism", Cambridge Harvard Press
(1983): pp 285.

K. Powell, E. Penick, M. Read & A. Ludwig,
"Comparison of three outpatient treatment
Interventions: A 12 month follow-up of male
alcoholics", Journal of Studies on Alcohol,
Vol. 46, No. 4 (1985): (KC VA Study).

J. Mathews-Larson and B. Parker,
"Alcoholism Treatment with biomedical/biochemical
Restoration as a Major Component",
International Journal of Biosocial and Medical
Research 9, No. 1 (1987) : pp 92- 100.

J. D. Beasley, et al "Follow-up of a Cohort
of Alcoholic Patients thru 12 months of
Comprehensive Bio-behavioral Treatment",
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment,
Vol. 8, No. 2. May, (1991).D.



Our Staff

Consultant: Joan Mathews-Larson, Ph.D., CCDP, LADC.
The Executive Director and founder of Health Recovery Center.
Published author of the books:

* Alcoholism, the Biochemical Connection. Villard/Random
House, ©1991; Seven Weeks to Sobriety, Ballantine Publishing Group,
©1992, updated copyright ©1997.
* Seven Weeks to Emotional Healing, Ballantine Publishing
Group, ©1999; Depression Free, Naturally, Ballantine Publishing Group,
©1999, updated copyright ©2001.

Counselors: All Health Recovery Center Counselors are licensed by
the State of South Carolina. All have specialized training in the HRC
method of biochemical restoration.

Medical Personnel: Health Recovery Center has an on-staff
physician and registered nurse who supervise each client throughout
primary care.



Health Recovery Center
Independently owned and operated by HRSC, Inc.

950 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite 101
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

local: (843) 881-7455
fax: (843) 881-5738

Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Eastern)
Monday thru Friday


Health Recovery Center Directions

* From the Airport: Follow the signs out of the airport to I-526
East. Follow I-526 East and merge onto I-26 East toward
Charleston.Merge onto US-17 N via exit number 221B toward Mount
Pleasant (over the Cooper River Bridge)



* From I-26 - to Cooper River Bridge. Take Highway 17 N. to the
second traffic light. Turn right on to Houston Northcutt Boulevard.
Health Recovery Center is on the right in a white building (look for
the sign that reads, "Watermark Plaza"). From the main entrance: down
the hall - last door on right - suite 101.



* From I-26 East toward Charleston. Merge onto US-17 N via exit
number 221B toward Mount Pleasant (over the Cooper River bridge) From
I-26 - to Cooper River Bridge. Take Highway 17 N. to the second
traffic light. Turn right on to Houston Northcutt Boulevard. Health
Recovery Center is on the right in a white building (look for the sign
that reads, "Watermark Plaza"). From the main entrance: down the hall
- last door on right - suite 101.



* From I-526 towards Mt. Pleasant. Take exit Highway 17 -
Charleston. Continue on Highway 17 until you reach Houston Northcutt
Boulevard (on left). Take a left at the traffic light on to Houston
Northcutt Boulevard. Health Recovery Center is on the right in a white
building (look for the sign that reads, "Watermark Plaza"). From the
main entrance: down the hall - last door on right - suite 101.

On - Wed, Jul 7, 2004, 4:35am (EDT-3) jillmerris@ureach.com (Jill*M.)
wrote:

> I completed a 6 week intensive outpatient
> program that literally removed my intense craving
> for alcohol and codeine. I also am depression free
> for the first time in over 20 years. I went to the
> Health Recovery Center in Charleston, SC
> (beautiful coastal city). If anyone has specific
> questions, I'll do my best to answer them... 'Our
> approach to alcoholism is based on science, more
> specifically orthomolecular medicine.'

Congratulations Jill, and welcome to the group. I share the interest
in an orthomolecular approach and am very interested in whatever you
have to share of your experience.

What did the recovery program consist of, in the first two weeks?

You know, I even gave this one a chance... went to the website and gave it
"look see."

"Amway for Addicts/Alcoholics" -- What will they think of next?

The only thing Jill left out was "I am not just the marketing director, I am
also a client."

Bobby L



"Jill M." <jillmerris@ureach.com> wrote in message
news:bd110a90.0407070335.50d26e11@posting.google.c om...
> Hello,
>
> My name is Jill and I want to share some information that allowed me
> to get over my alcohol and drug addictions. I completed a 6 week
> intensive outpatient program that literally removed my intense craving
> for alcohol and codeine. I also am depression free for the first time
> in over 20 years. I went to the Health Recovery Center in Charleston,
> SC (beautiful coastal city). If anyone has specific questions, I'll
> do my best to answer them... Please read further...
>
<see the upper thread for the rest>

Ya know, I've been sober for awhile now, with the help of AA, and have
not experienced *any* painful years of "white knucklin' it." Not any!

I've never been of the opinion that people "relapse" because AA did
something wrong - people drink again because they'd rather drink than
stay sober. Doesn't matter where or how they got sober -- Betty Ford,
Hazelden, any of 'em - if someone wants to drink again, they will. Easy
as that. Hopefully when people get sober they begin to take care of
other aspects of their lives, including physical, mental, and spiritual
health. Oh, wait a minute... doesn't AA suggest just that? Hmmm...


Jill M. wrote:

Hello,
My name is Jill and I want to share some information that allowed me
to get over my alcohol and drug addictions. I completed a 6 week
intensive outpatient program that literally removed my intense craving
for alcohol and codeine. I also am depression free for the first time
in over 20 years. I went to the Health Recovery Center in Charleston,
SC Please read further...

Then there's Alcoholics Anonymous.
From a physical standpoint, AA's 12 step philosophy offers
nothing but many painful years of "white knucklin' it".

"Bobby L." <BobbyL2000spamno@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:mj2Hc.22937$o62.16731@bignews2.bellsouth.net. ..
> You know, I even gave this one a chance... went to the website and gave
it
> "look see."
>
> "Amway for Addicts/Alcoholics" -- What will they think of next?
>
> The only thing Jill left out was "I am not just the marketing director, I
am
> also a client."
>
> Bobby L

Well Bobby
At least she didn't say that she liked the program so much that she bought
the place--though I hear it is in a beautiful coastal city,--- where my
exwife told me that the vaunted Southern Hospitality did not extend to young
Canadian teenagers born of Hungarian refugees.
John

>
> "Jill M." <jillmerris@ureach.com> wrote in message
> news:bd110a90.0407070335.50d26e11@posting.google.c om...
> > Hello,
> >
> > My name is Jill and I want to share some information that allowed me
> > to get over my alcohol and drug addictions. I completed a 6 week
> > intensive outpatient program that literally removed my intense craving
> > for alcohol and codeine. I also am depression free for the first time
> > in over 20 years. I went to the Health Recovery Center in Charleston,
> > SC (beautiful coastal city). If anyone has specific questions, I'll
> > do my best to answer them... Please read further...
> >
> <see the upper thread for the rest>
>
>
>
>

On 7 Jul 2004 04:35:37 -0700, jillmerris@ureach.com (Jill M.) wrote:


>My name is Jill and I want to share some information that allowed me
>to get over my alcohol and drug addictions.

> Our approach to alcoholism is based on science, more
>specifically orthomolecular medicine.

Orthomolecular medicine is as much science as parapsychology
and astrology. That is, it is not a science but pseudo-science.

Linus Pauling was a great scientist and very, very smart
man but he was also human and he made a mistake.

G-A

> Ya know, I've been sober for awhile now, with the help of AA, and have
> not experienced *any* painful years of "white knucklin' it." Not any!
years of "white knucklin' it".

Same here! Yes, I did relapse after some years, but there was no "pain" in
back of it...the reason was plain old cronic stupidity.

I see a lot of talk about how we are alcoholics by reason of body
chemistry, but none of those panning AA offer any help other than saying
we should be attending an expensive treatment.

It is commonly said that "We are what we eat", so why doesn't someone
interested in helping others, offer suggestions for a diet (or even meds)
that would correct our chemical imbalance?

nat

: > Ya know, I've been sober for awhile now, with the help of AA,
and have
: > not experienced *any* painful years of "white knucklin' it."
Not any!
: years of "white knucklin' it".
:


"Nat" <nath615@centurytel.net> wrote in message
news:atmdnYjQ6vUc53DdRVn-hA@centurytel.net...
: Same here!

me neither!

"Nat" <nath615@centurytel.net> wrote in message
news:atmdnYjQ6vUc53DdRVn-hA@centurytel.net...
> > Ya know, I've been sober for awhile now, with the help of AA, and have
> > not experienced *any* painful years of "white knucklin' it." Not any!
> years of "white knucklin' it".
>
> Same here! Yes, I did relapse after some years, but there was no "pain" in
> back of it...the reason was plain old cronic stupidity.
>
> I see a lot of talk about how we are alcoholics by reason of body
> chemistry, but none of those panning AA offer any help other than saying
> we should be attending an expensive treatment.
>
> It is commonly said that "We are what we eat", so why doesn't someone
> interested in helping others, offer suggestions for a diet (or even meds)
> that would correct our chemical imbalance?
>
> nat
>
Say Nat
Does the name neuro come to mind?
John

Hello again. I did not expect this kind of response. Not sure what to
make of it. I just wanted to say that I found something that finally
worked for me. Completed the puzzle if you will. I still have a
difficult time articulating what I learned, so I copy/pasted from
health recovery center's web site. I surely wasn't trying to create a
conflict by doing it. I am finally in a happy place in my life after
all these years and felt this was a good way to start sharing.

Jillian

"Bobby L." <BobbyL2000spamno@bellsouth.net> wrote in message news:<mj2Hc.22937$o62.16731@bignews2.bellsouth.net >...
> You know, I even gave this one a chance... went to the website and gave it
> "look see."
>
> "Amway for Addicts/Alcoholics" -- What will they think of next?
>
> The only thing Jill left out was "I am not just the marketing director, I am
> also a client."
>
> Bobby L
>
>
>
> "Jill M." <jillmerris@ureach.com> wrote in message
> news:bd110a90.0407070335.50d26e11@posting.google.c om...
> > Hello,
> >
> > My name is Jill and I want to share some information that allowed me
> > to get over my alcohol and drug addictions. I completed a 6 week
> > intensive outpatient program that literally removed my intense craving
> > for alcohol and codeine. I also am depression free for the first time
> > in over 20 years. I went to the Health Recovery Center in Charleston,
> > SC (beautiful coastal city). If anyone has specific questions, I'll
> > do my best to answer them... Please read further...
> >
> <see the upper thread for the rest>