caelmarcus

Potentially Good Program Run Poorly

I discharged from Clearview Treatment Center’s Dual Diagnosis program on 10/10/2025. The experience was difficult but ultimately helpful—I needed stabilization after a month-long marijuana relapse and acute depression. Therapist-led groups were supportive, though tech-led groups were less effective. I learned a lot about advocating for myself, which I had to do often.

My first month was marked by severe marijuana withdrawal: intense emotional swings, dysphoria, anger, sleep problems, nausea, and digestive issues. Staff and the nurse practitioner never acknowledged that I was in withdrawal, which made the experience much more distressing. During one crisis week, despite expressing suicidal ideation, I received minimal support outside a brief therapist session.
I requested non–12 Step recovery meetings due to trauma, and while initially approved, chronic understaffing meant I was required to attend 12 Step meetings with the group. The required 1:6 staffing ratio was rarely met. This left high-needs clients without proper supervision, and at times clients were informally monitoring someone who clearly needed a higher level of care.

Case management was also strained. Only one case manager served all five houses, leading to repeated paperwork delays and mistakes. Limited phone access made managing essential tasks difficult without more support.

Accessibility was another issue. I disclosed mobility limitations before admission, but the facility had far more stairs than described, including at off-site meetings. Only after persistent advocacy were accessible options provided near the end of my stay.

Food was challenging as a diabetic. Meals were often too carb-heavy, breakfast options were minimal, and the only accommodation offered was frozen frittatas. I ultimately purchased my own food.

Overall, Clearview provided some meaningful therapeutic support, but significant issues with staffing, accessibility, crisis response, withdrawal education, and individualized needs remain. I stabilized largely because of my prior long-term sobriety, but I worry about clients newer to recovery who received far less support.