The Hope Ranch Recovery
2025-11-27T07:38:29.153Z
My 13 days at “Hope”: Detox was successful. Excellent therapists. I’m grateful. But..A medical condition that was under control before and *within a day after* I left Hope ranch, was not appropriately managed while I was there despite my advocating for it. It was terrifying. I was bleeding and needed medication to control it for several months to gain strength back to be ready for surgery.3 stars because it was so traumatic toBe at the Hope Ranch that I never want to relapse and have to go thru residential treatment again, so that’s a success story, sort of. The technicians and case managers also were all lovely.Maggie (COO and founder) said that maybe the airplane travel to the ranch aggravated the condition (possible). I was cleared to fly by my doctor at home as long as I had three days with no symptoms just before the flight.After going to the ER and getting medication to help,I was not allowed to follow up as instructed with local specialist doctors in person to get this critical medication refilled.I was not allowed to take another critical medication as often as the directions said.The clinical director (an excellent therapist, but NOT a medical doctor) insisted on telling me how to manage my medical condition without understanding that she was asking for something that conflicted with the ER doctor’s advice and the surgeon at home expressly forbid.My symptoms made me afraid and there was NO sympathy. Just anger toward me for relentlessly asking to get on track with the right medication so I would survive. I was told that all this medical care need was a burden, while the other clients were making their list of vape flavor choices for the staff person who would go pick them up. “I have to get back to work, this conversation is over.” Maggie told me.I was discharged the next day unceremoniously and told to fly home immediately-with no medical clearance- actually the doctor told me not to fly if I had an incident within 3 days prior.I was upset, scared, and newly sober, so I knew going to the airport alone would be a bad idea because airports and airlines serve alcohol.luckily I had a backup plan and got the care I needed medically, emotionally and therapeutically at a different SUD facility 2 hours by car in LA. That facility’s staff drove me 2 hours each way to see that localSpecialist doctor, on the recommendation of my doctor at home, and I was fine the next day after following her advice. The second facility was the same size and type- they were both operating under the exact same section of California law. They didn’t have a huge plot of land or equines, but Hope hardly allowed clients to enjoy that anyway- the hammocks, gym, horses and nature are all beyond the clients’ reach, unless escorted by a staff member, who were frankly too busy most of the time for this anyway. The staff did their best, they did really care and were just overloaded monitoring everything the clients did- even every phone call home!The “Hope” Ranch touts their active alumni program, and I was told while I was being rushed to pack up my belongings that I would be invited to be part of that, but nope. No one checked on me after I left.I’m sure in a few years they will gain experience and maturity, and be able to deliver the experience that they advertise, while seeing to each clients’ unique needs, and every one’s safety.
My 13 days at “Hope”: Detox was successful. Excellent therapists. I’m grateful. But..A medical condition that was under control before and *within a d... More