Livengrin Foundation

I entered LG about a year after the loss of my child to cancer. I had started drinking alcoholically and wanted to stop.

I first went to "intake" at LG's Fort Washington office. They did a medical work-up and I told them of my history of atrial fibrillation. I also told them my family doctor had prescribed klonopin since my child's death for sleep which I never abused - same small prescribed dose (1.25mg) at bedtime for over 2 years. They assured me that LG would help me stop my drinking, and may or may not consider doing a "taper" of the klonopin as well.

When I checked in at LG, the intake person told me that I would NOT be receiving any klonopin at LG, but they may use something called buprenorphine if they felt I needed it. I just shrugged and said "fine", having virtually no idea at the time about the dangers of abrupt benzo withdrawal and a history of atrial fibrillation. The first 3 nights without klonopin (or a taper) resulted zero sleep. So they started the "bupe" and assured me it would kick in shortly.

On the 4th night of no sleep I suddenly started to experience periods of irregular heartbeats - my a-fib was coming back! I was emotionally wrecked from lack of sleep and scared to death about the a-fib (which was solely related to benzo withdrawal as I had detoxed from alcohol 7 days prior - in the comfort of home - to minimize the discomfort at the facility and had experience no a-fib). Tracking down an MD at LG was fruitless and the nurses were less than sympathetic. It was obvious to me that, to them, I was just another addict crying for my drug.

I decided I had to get out of there to, literally, save my life (or, at the least, having to undergo another a-fib ablation procedure if my a-fib wasn't mediated quickly). So I resolved to leave and get help. The staff did not take kindly to my intention to leave and quickly "ganged up" on me…in essence calling me a quitter should I leave….making a decision I would "regret for the rest of my life" (looking back I think support staff meant well, but had no idea of the seriousness of my cardiac condition due to the incompetence of the "medical" staff). Finally frustrated by my resolve, they acquiesced, but made me sign an AMA form ("against medical advice").

When I asked what would happen if I didn't sign the AMA (knowing this would become part of my medical history and making it almost impossible to obtain life insurance…which turned out to be true), they said I wouldn't be allowed to leave! Really? Knowing I had to get out of there for my own health, I signed off. The final humiliation came in my room as I packed up.

The head honcho marched in and slowly & silently "ripped" my name tags off my bed and dresser and "frisked me" to make sure I didn't have any LG property. Did you ever see the show "Branded". Well, I sure felt "branded"…ashamed, emotional wrecked, experiencing a-fib, having accomplished nothing of my original intent to stop drinking, and headed home to a family who would surely look at me as a quitter. Only 5 days!

What a mess I was in! Immediately after "release" I met with my doctor who was "floored" by my experience. He then educated me on the danger of abrupt benzo withdrawal and atrial fibrillation. He was struck by the lack of "common medical knowledge" LG exhibited.

He told me I was lucky I didn't try to "gut it out" as entrenched a-fib (or a even a heart attack) was a likely outcome. Incensed, he fired off a letter to either LG or the State (I don't recall). It took me quite a while to "recover" from my "recovery" attempt. I still desired to stop drinking but the LG experience left me terrified and ashamed.

My family saw me as a "quitter". The pall of that unfortunate experience weighed on me for over 2 years which, of course, led to more guilt and heavier drinking. Eventually I was introduced to a private facility called Clarity Way. Actual MD's on staff (!) who understand the danger of abrupt benzo withdrawal and atrial fibrillation.

They also understand the concept that if you can't sleep it's hard to work on your brain to get better!! With their MD monitored slow taper (as originally promised by the LG staff in Fort Washington) it was easy! No lack of sleep and no a-fib which resulted in my being able to engage in comprehensive mental therapy and change. I left the CW 30 day program with a new outlook on life, sober from alcohol, and completely tapered off my small dose klonopin (which took less than 3 weeks when done correctly).

This month I celebrated one year of sobriety (!) by having chosen a facility that exhibits competence of fundamental medical knowledge. I suggest you do the same.

After reading your review I was AGAIN appalled at the lack of Medically sound treatment provided at livengrin. You do not stop someone cold turkey from alcohol or BENZODIAZAPINES. You can die from it! As far as I know they do not use Medication assisted treatment except Naltrexone (oral witch has poor compliance success) and Vivitrol a longer acting Shot.

I went there too unfortunately and

I have also been aware of a close friend who survived their negligence for the same reasons as yourself.

Also I felt the were entirely responsible for the death of a young opiate addict dying because of NOT PRESCRIBING life saving Medication assisted treatment. He relapsed because he was not supported physically for cravings with either, Buprenorphine(soboxone) OR methadone.The mother could have taken him anywhere. She did not know and trusted them.

They are not in my opinion safe to deliver addiction treatment except for very simple cases.( and none really are simple are they) They refuse to embrace new science.

How do you stop them or get the information out so they are not used any longer?????

Livengrin is unethical and corrupt. They demanded $500 for one day's stay because they did not hear from the insurance company before the close of day.

The demand was to pay or they would send my daughter out. Never mind that she is barely 18, did not have a phone, no ID (she had lost her license), and had no money. They would not pay for transportation home (we live in Virginia) nor would they keep her until I could arrive. Complaining on the internet only relieves frustration.

To effect change, report a patient safety event to The Joint Commission.

They need this accreditation to remain solvent. To file a complaint, go to: https://www.jointcommission.org/report_a_complaint.aspx

When attending this program I found it very inconsistent as I tried to put my life and professional identity back together. A treatment program need offer a means to regain strength and hope. It's purpose to teach the tools to make sobriety possible, however because of the number of new therapists in a very short period of time it was extremely difficult. The program did not seem to adhere to to 12-step principles that it emphasized.

Unfortunately for professional Nurses it is the only program in the area. Nurses come from other states to attend this program. For many of us we must attend this program in order to regain our licensure.

Follow up care IOP and GOP are also poorly organized. Again no continuity to care and therapy. Poorly managed by people NOT in recovery further reducing a viable effective program.

I did not find the program very supportive when I was there. I Often struggled just to keep up with the number of therapists. That was very very stressful and frustrating.

I wondered why the treatment center was unable to retain employees. Working conditions? I cannot comment about, but surly must be influential.

A program should be stable and consistent. More respectful to clients struggling to achieve successful sobriety. Relapse risks are encouraged to be listed as triggers. This program fit well in that list. Sobriety is enough of a challenge.

Principles taught as a program of growth and recovery need be modeled and followed by the directors / Heath professionals. One should not have to struggle with the difficulty of sobriety AND deal with a poor treatment structure.

Also a very effective less addictive alternatives for drug assisted treatment is not offered. (Soboxone and vivitrol) Why a treatment center would not make available these choices to clients is negligent in its delivery of care. All available options should be made available.

Overall I give this program poor marks. Is a shameful example of drawing in sick people for profit and delivering no real substantial or effective treatment,

Prospective Nurses needing treatment beware.

Having worked at Livengrin for a brief period of time, I witness the misappropriation of funds for leisure activities involving the senior staff. I was told it was none of my business and that certain employees were considered part of the 'Livengrin Family'.

There are also questionable relationships and perks for senior staff members. Not a positive or safe environment for patients seeking recovery. Livengrin is a profit seeking venture that has very little to do with addiction recovery.

Patients were often criticized in staff meetings and medical information was not secure or kept confidential. The inpatient facility is not a very sanitary environment.