The Council on Recovery

The fact that I’m sober now after struggling to get that way since the 90’s has a lot to do with what I learned at Austin Recovery two years ago as well as the continued support that I get through the alumni association. To be honest I didn’t go to treatment with an open mind, willingness, optimism or a firm resolution to be completely sober. The only thing I was certain of was that I needed a break from what I had been doing before I wound up dead. Fortunately for my family and me I learned about what my problem was and was given a solution to it.
Like the previous reviewer’s experience I was exposed to a lot of 12-​step solution while I was there. However, I was also exposed to a number of other things as well, such as one-​on-​one counseling, small and large group counseling, a really cool musical journey experience, cognitive behavior therapy, the science of addiction and brain chemistry, accountability, meditation, cool rituals, etc. Also I never once felt that I was being influenced to adopt any type of religious belief system.
Bottom line is this: I went in hopeless and came out hopeful. My life and the lives of those close to me have changed for the better thanks to my time at Austin Recovery.

Save your money. Unless you’re ready to be 12-​stepped to death and convert to radical christianity, find someplace else to get help. (Note that one of their staff bloggers suggests that while asking your HP for help, you darn well better get down on your knees.)
12 steps have helped a lot of people, no doubt — but this place refuses to recognize that one-​size doesn’t fit all and offers nothing BUT 12-​steps, despite what they might say.
While there for detox, they had me so medicated I was a drooling zombie and no one seemed to give a hoot. My issue was physical dependence on opiates as a result of a chronic pain condition — for which I have about 2 inches of medical records to back up, one would think they would have been a little interested in understanding my needs, especially since they tout their ‘individiualized’ attention. Big fat lie.
Upon getting copies of my records, I found numerous outright errors, errors of fact, general shoddy, illegible and incomplete notes. AND I discovered that most of the medications they did give me are contraindicated for someone with established breathing and cardiac problems — two additional health issues that I have and brought documentation with me to show them.
Their «doctor» seemed annoyed at the fact that he had to see me and the «therapist» never once ventured out of his office. The nurses refused to give me necessary medications (for asthma) because they didn’t bother to write anything down about it during the admit process.
I suppose the notion of «you get what you pay for» comes into play and if you are in need of help but don’t have insurance, they are probably the only game in town. Sad to say. If you need help and have no other options, then go — just go in with low expectations about the quality of care. I promise you won’t be disappointed.