Narconon international refers to Narconon of georgia as an inpatient program

[Mary_McConnell]

Other facilities in the State:
Discovery Course Ltd.
Discovery Course Ltd. Discovery House

Duluth GA 30096
(877) 647-7620
Primary focus
General health
Services Provided
HalfWay house
Type of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

http: //sober.com/directory/halfway+houses/georgia/duluth-page1.html

Mr. Allen Shen
Wrong Allen Shen?
Intake Registrar
Narconon Of Georgia
Phone: (770) ***-****  HQ Phone

http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Allen-Shen/1628162104

Allen Shen is now a counselor at the Narconon treatment center he credits with saving his life.
...
Allen Shen, now an intake registrar at Narconon of Georgia, was once addicted to prescription drugs. In a recent interview by the Associated Press ( Watch the interview), Allen described the way his addiction started and the ease with which he was able to continue it, despite the fact that he was black listed at most of the local pharmacies. Allen began taking prescription pain pills for a back injury ten years ago. "I thought there was nothing wrong with it because the doctors were writing prescriptions and it was perfectly legal. But basically, what they were writing for me was pharmaceutical grade heroin," Mr. Shen stated.
 

http://youtu.be/MaWH8Bband4

 Chuck Myers
Ordained Pastor Discovery House
    Duluth, Georgia (Greater Atlanta Area)
    Religious Institutions

After 26 years in the business world, I have received a greater calling! God has called me to be the Pastor of Discovery House in Duluth Georgia. It is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.

I have had training in the church for many years and held many roles with many churches. I have recently received my Ordination and am very much enjoying my role serving God.

In Christ,

Chuck

Past

        Pastor at Drury's Chapel UMC
        Director of Outreach at Covenant United Methodist Church
        Vice President Sales and marketing professional at Creatives SA

        Sales Director at Brown-Forman
        Sales State Manager at Brown-Forman
        Executive at Brown-Forman Corporation
        Sales/Marketing Brand Business Director at CHUCK MYERS
        Sales & Marketing Director, New Brand Development East Region Americas; Brown at Brown-Forman Corporation
        Retail Manager at Central Wine Division
        Retail Director; Central Division Wines at Brown-Forman Corporation
        Sales Director, Strategic Brands at Brown- Forman Corporation
        Brown-Forman- Sales Director at Wines International
        Sales/Marketing Director - Canada at Brown-Forman International
        Merchandising Manager, State Manager, Territory Manager, District Manager at Brown-Forman Corp.
        Area Manager at Chicago Area, Brown-Forman Corporation
        Area Manager at Virginia Area, Brown-Forman Corporation

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/chuck-myers/25/240/2a7

Kind of scary!

[ethercat]

From the FAQ:
http://discovertreatment.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Is Discovery House a licensed drug rehab program?

Discovery House is accredited by the Georgia Association Of Recovery Residences and hosts faith based and self help meetings on site.  The strength of our approach is the extended network of licensed programs and counselors we refer to, all while you are living in the comfort and safety of an accredited sober living facility.

In other words, NO.

[mefree]

Retail Manager at Central Wine Division
        Retail Director; Central Division Wines at Brown-Forman Corporation
        Sales Director, Strategic Brands at Brown- Forman Corporation
        Brown-Forman- Sales Director at Wines International
        Sales/Marketing Director - Canada at Brown-Forman International
        Merchandising Manager, State Manager, Territory Manager, District Manager at Brown-Forman Corp.
        Area Manager at Chicago Area, Brown-Forman Corporation
        Area Manager at Virginia Area, Brown-Forman Corporation

http://www.brown-forman.com/brands/

Interesting background...

Darrell Hall is listed as Executive Director.


http://sober.com/directory/eating+disorder+treatment+centers/georgia/discovery+course+ltd+1/enhancedprofile.html

http://prntscr.com/1uwzyk
http://prntscr.com/1ux05v

Discovery House offers a long term residential recovery opportunity. Our goal is to comfortably and safely guide you through your recovery. Since recovery is not a one size fits all process, discovery house has developed unique relationships with various treatment providers in order to provide the best possible treatment options. We assess all residents for the need for ongoing treatment services and refer them to counseling and/or outpatient treatment services in the community. There are many options, please call an intake coordinator to see if we can help you find your path to recovery. Tai Chi and yoga used at Discovery House to support drug rehabilitation because it offers you another method of getting in touch with your inner, true self. The end result produced by Tai Chi and yoga is a mental and physical calmness, generated ina a completely natural way. They also help keep emotions more in balance, reducing the need to succumb to unhealthy coping techniques such as addiction. The ability to handle stress improves as does the sense of feeling more centered and grounded in order to handle life’s challenges. A combination of exercise and spa heat therapy in conjunction with safe vitamin and mineral supplements help our clients reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol and return to feeling calm, clear and centered. Supervised medically prescribed opiate taper program designed to reduce the withdrawal effects of abruptly stopping drug use. Certain prescription medications and alcohol may require inpatient detoxification during this phase.

[ethercat]

Here's a photo of Narconon that I was sent, taken yesterday:



Compare to a photo from a similar angle, taken months ago:



So the facade of being closed is one step closer to being complete.  Last time anyone I know checked, however, they are still listed in DCH's licensed facility database. 

We need to figure out where they're operating now, since Discovery has to be sending people somewhere for the sauna they advertise on their site.

[mefree]

I'm still finding Narconon of Georgia on Narconon International's website when you click on the link for additional details about the locations.

https://ixquick-proxy.com/do/spg/proxy?ep=4b516354465768424351785148794969557a70364542643154436448454839424454496b47675668585235644c555949574638784d6a6b4765786c514d7a454d41676f455331736462686f6d4f5535704e54676165545179494645366130596e4f45382f49785a4841554e4e447734324e45674550565161415331474378494458446b77434334365443513346774245567752614453636d53305a4248306b316178736a43686f41654468434f7a784d4f443851547731515868644c4654675042324e56465277674241595941774d7a4a4642736257553650783041466b74575841703950686f596242774f46793964424542635154526d46697336466a4d79546c42574531315147477069563049794442684866423157545134555933414d4c7a5a504d33345a47773d3d&epile=4q6n41784q7n45774q7n41774q5638304r6935725n586o3q&edata=d62deb3a6b95c559b344e4d5510038c9&ek=536n7037633034705n58317464315n5749306p6649315n51666q4669496n6o7965564r57626r553q&ekdata=2370768c254f0bde55585ee8548b40d5

[SocialTransparency]

Here's a photo of Narconon that I was sent, taken yesterday:



Compare to a photo from a similar angle, taken months ago:



So the facade of being closed is one step closer to being complete.  Last time anyone I know checked, however, they are still listed in DCH's licensed facility database. 

We need to figure out where they're operating now, since Discovery has to be sending people somewhere for the sauna they advertise on their site.

Boo!







 

Narconon of Georgia—The Narconon Georgia program is an outpatient facility located in Norcross, Georgia. The founder, Mary Rieser helps each student to develop their own sense of ethics and personal responsibility to aid in their recovery.

LOL!

 

[who me?]

From the FAQ:
http://discovertreatment.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Is Discovery House a licensed drug rehab program?

Discovery House is accredited by the Georgia Association Of Recovery Residences and hosts faith based and self help meetings on site.  The strength of our approach is the extended network of licensed programs and counselors we refer to, all while you are living in the comfort and safety of an accredited sober living facility.

In other words, NO.

According to the GARR membership standards (standards and application: http://www.garronline.org/GARR%20standards%202011.pdf):

"Licensure Notice
Any facility using the term “treatment” in written or verbal program descriptions or those otherwise claims to be a drug abuse education or treatment program must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Office of Facility Regulation. See
http://dch.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,31446711_144097918,00.html.
GARR membership, while providing good preparation for licensure, is not sufficient for this purpose."

Included in this document is the GARR Standards Compliance Checklist that states:
"Submit this checklist with the GARR Member Application to initiate the approval process."
 and one of the things to check is:
"State licenses, certificates of compliance and other required documents are visible for public view"

The options are "Meets", "Non-Profit Compliant", "Does not meet", "NA"...
"Non-Profit Compliant">wtf?

[ethercat]

I think I'd be more at ease with seeing the sign in the dumpster.   

Narconon of Georgia—The Narconon Georgia program is an outpatient facility located in Norcross, Georgia. The founder, Mary Rieser helps each student to develop their own sense of ethics and personal responsibility to aid in their recovery.

Ahhh, yup.  I remember wondering a while back if Mary Rieser's "ethical" method of handling her own personal life was relevant to our criticism of Narconon, and deciding that since she was the self-proclaimed instructor of substance abusers in how to lead a good and ethical life, that yes, it was relevant. 

[SocialTransparency]

I think I'd be more at ease with seeing the sign in the dumpster.   

Narconon of Georgia—The Narconon Georgia program is an outpatient facility located in Norcross, Georgia. The founder, Mary Rieser helps each student to develop their own sense of ethics and personal responsibility to aid in their recovery.

Ahhh, yup.  I remember wondering a while back if Mary Rieser's "ethical" method of handling her own personal life was relevant to our criticism of Narconon, and deciding that since she was the self-proclaimed instructor of substance abusers in how to lead a good and ethical life, that yes, it was relevant.

I think the signs current location behind a scrub leaning against an empty building is both a monument and testament to Mary Rieser,s failures.

[ethercat]

I think the signs current location behind a scrub leaning against an empty building is both a monument and testament to Mary Rieser,s failures.

And Narconon's failures.  I gotta say, it does give me some pleasure to see it sitting there rotting. 

Like scientology.

[ghostfires]

So.. is Discovery House being run out of the same facility that was once NNGA and the housing for Discovery House is off property of the facility at those apartments?

The program for Discovery House sounds a lot better than Narconon. I've been to NNLA and NNAH and although I'm not totally about Narconon, I do stand by the Sauna.


I'm asking because I've been talking to Discovery House about going there for treatment but I'm a little confused as to what's going on with all of this. How long has NNGA been shut down, and how long has Discovery House been operational? Are the apartments at the same site as the facility? Do the guys and girls live in the same apartment complex?

[mefree]

So.. is Discovery House being run out of the same facility that was once NNGA and the housing for Discovery House is off property of the facility at those apartments?

The program for Discovery House sounds a lot better than Narconon. I've been to NNLA and NNAH and although I'm not totally about Narconon, I do stand by the Sauna.


I'm asking because I've been talking to Discovery House about going there for treatment but I'm a little confused as to what's going on with all of this. How long has NNGA been shut down, and how long has Discovery House been operational? Are the apartments at the same site as the facility? Do the guys and girls live in the same apartment complex?

I'm not sure we have all of the answers you want. The last we knew Darrell Hall was still involved with the apartments at Discovery House.

"Sounds a lot better" may not be the best basis for making a decision. Please do your homework. Take a look at Narconon Reviews. There's an article there on How to Choose a Rehab and Researching a Rehab Facility

[ethercat]

So.. is Discovery House being run out of the same facility that was once NNGA and the housing for Discovery House is off property of the facility at those apartments?

The program for Discovery House sounds a lot better than Narconon. I've been to NNLA and NNAH and although I'm not totally about Narconon, I do stand by the Sauna.


I'm asking because I've been talking to Discovery House about going there for treatment but I'm a little confused as to what's going on with all of this. How long has NNGA been shut down, and how long has Discovery House been operational? Are the apartments at the same site as the facility? Do the guys and girls live in the same apartment complex?

Hi ghostfires, and welcome to TP.

Narconon of Georgia had their license formally revoked late last year, but they appealed the revocation, which allowed them to stay open and operate while the appeal was in process.  The original reason their license was revoked was they were only licensed for outpatient treatment, but they were operating as a residential treatment program, and representing themselves as such to potential clients and a drug court judge (or two, three, etc.).  The illegal housing part was operated out of a separate location, at Berkeley Landing Apartments, and was called Discovery Course, run by Darrell Hall. 

That appeal process came to an end when they cut a "non-prosecution" deal with the State of Georgia around August/September of this year.  They were involved in insurance and credit card fraud, had been raided by the County's District Attorney and the State Insurance Commissioner, and they agreed to surrender their rehab license instead of the facility being prosecuted for these things. 

The actual Narconon location (that was licensed as an outpatient facility) was a few miles away from the apartments, at 5688 Peachtree Parkway.

Discovery House seems to have opened during the appeal, that is, sometime earlier this year.  I think the apartments for Discovery House are in the same complex (if not actually the same apartments), but realize that I don't have an inside track and they're not exactly coming to us offering information.     Discovery House is also operated by Darrell Hall.  I have no reason to believe that Discovery House is being operated much differently than Discovery Course was, and that would mean that the guys and girls do live in the same complex, although (we think) not in the same apartment.

Some suspect that Discovery House may be nothing more than another attempt to skirt the law and still operate the Narconon program, but under a different name, off the radar.

All of the Narconons operate in essentially the same way, although I'm certain there are differences in the details, due to different people running each facility.  I'm curious, though, if Narconon Arrowhead and Narconon Louisiana didn't work for you, why would you think another Narconon or Narconon-Clone would work?

My suggestion would be to try something different, try a facility that is properly licensed and abides by the law.  Someone who is trying to get off drugs doesn't need the additional drama that comes along with the facility itself acting illegally.  Rehab has drama aplenty, just on its own.  Just imagine how unsettling it must have been for any clients who were there, just trying to do their rehab and get off drugs, when the police raid took place.   
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/investigators-raid-narconon-georgia/nXYzJ/

Here's a longer video of the local news station's coverage over time: http://vimeo.com/69325667

There are some suggestions for finding a good facility here: http://narcononreviews.net/resources/for-potential-clients/how-to-choose-a-drug-or-alcohol-rehab/

Good luck to you.  I hope whatever you choose, it works out for you.   

[ghostfires]

Thanks for the response. From Talking to the people at Discovery House I can tell it's definitely not a Narconon operating under a different name - reason number one being that they employ a psychiatrist/psychologist. NN and SCN would never allow that, lmao.

Apparently there's 3 different routes you can take at DH. 12-step, faith-based, and eastern philosophy. Along with 1-on-1 counseling with the psych-man, and support group stuff. This is all foreign to me coming from going thru 2 different NN's, as well as working at NNLA for a long time. I wouldn't be completely against going back to a NN - they didn't work for me because I never worked the tech outside of NN... Maybe. Who knows.

I'm heading to Discovery House tomorrow... I'll let you guys know what I find.

[who me?]

I hope you find the help you need, and suggest you exercise caution.

On their website (http://discovertreatment.com/professionalsstaff/), they list the following independent service providers which make it appear they have multiple treatment options:

>Max Fried, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine who also has a masters in psychology.
>Dana Kuebler, Naturopath and a Nationally Certified Masters Addiction Counselor
>Scott Maddox, Assessment Services, J. Scott Maddox is a Licensed Professional Counselor, State and Nationally Certified Addiction Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.

However, the following disclaimer "These Services are available by referral and are not provided by Discovery House.  Their appearance here does not represent an endorsement or affiliation." makes me very suspicious of a bait-and-switch type scheme.

I am just hoping you do not get taken advantage of, and get the help you are seeking.

[Mary_McConnell]

Discovery House is a sober living program, not a rehab. They are not licensed to provide any rehab services. http://167.193.144.216/facsearch.asp

Sober Living Facilities

    As this type of residence does not conduct treatment onsite, state or local licensing or zoning regulations do not apply. Although some impose curfews, sober living facilities endeavor to assist addicts in their transition from rehabilitation facilities to an alcohol and drug-free way of life. As the ADA classifies alcoholics/drug addicts as persons with a disability, any zoning issues used to discriminate against a sober living facility should be investigated.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7210656_laws-halfway-housing-georgia.html#ixzz2kFfs9QpH

Page 1
Revised 8/6/2013
G ◆ A ◆ R ◆ R
Georgia Association
of
Recovery Residences
CONTACT INFORMATION
AND
MEMBERS LIST
Please send written correspondence to:
G.A.R.R.
5456 Peachtree Boulevard
Suite 415
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-2235
or call
(404) 719-1218
GARR is Committed to Setting the Standard for Quality Recovery Residence
Services in Georgia.
Page 2 Revised 8/6/2013
 
Page 4
Revised 8/6/2013
Atlanta, GA (Metropolitan Area) (con’t.)
Discovery Course Ltd.
Discovery House
2310 Summerchase Drive
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 559-0550
(770) 234-4154 [FAX]
Web Address: http:// www. discoverycourse .com
E-Mail: DARRELL.J.Hall@gmail.com
Population Served: Male and Femail
Contacts: Darrell Hall, Director

Halfway Houses in Georgia
http://sober.com/directory/halfway+houses/georgia/page2.html

[mefree]

What Discovery House is doing by claiming to offer these "independent" services reminds me of Best Drug Rehab. Whether any of those services is actually provided, or at least on any type of schedule, may be another story. One Christian BDR client was allegedly promised transportation to a local church while he was at BDR. It didn't quite turn out as he expected.

Read his story here: http://narcononreviews.net/informal-complaints/man-says-his-civil-liberties-were-violated-at-best-drug-rehab/

If you go to Discovery House, for your sake, I hope the situation is different. Just knowing there is a connection to Narconon of Georgia would be enough for me to stay away.

[Mary_McConnell]

So.. is Discovery House being run out of the same facility that was once NNGA and the housing for Discovery House is off property of the facility at those apartments?

The program for Discovery House sounds a lot better than Narconon. I've been to NNLA and NNAH and although I'm not totally about Narconon, I do stand by the Sauna.


I'm asking because I've been talking to Discovery House about going there for treatment but I'm a little confused as to what's going on with all of this. How long has NNGA been shut down, and how long has Discovery House been operational? Are the apartments at the same site as the facility? Do the guys and girls live in the same apartment complex?

If they tell you they are a rehab program, they are lying to you. They are supposed to only be an aftercare sober living home, where people already done with inpatient rehab go to help support addicts and alcoholics reenter society. All services they refer you to are supposed to be maintenance programs.

Mission

Discovery House is a recovery residence for those participating in drug treatment or who have recently graduated from treatment and are entering back into the work force.

We provide specific services that can complement ongoing drug treatment and prepare the client for the eventual return to life.  Our clients learn to live life again by participating in group recreational activities and their own day to day life functions such as shopping and cooking.    They learn to help each other and to receive help in return – all as part of the therapeutic community.

http:// discovery-house .net /mission/

[ethercat]

Thanks for the response.

You're welcome.

From Talking to the people at Discovery House I can tell it's definitely not a Narconon operating under a different name - reason number one being that they employ a psychiatrist/psychologist. NN and SCN would never allow that, lmao.

My opinion is that they would employ whoever they needed to, in order to meet the perceived requirements.  But that's ok; we can have differences of opinion.

Apparently there's 3 different routes you can take at DH. 12-step, faith-based, and eastern philosophy. Along with 1-on-1 counseling with the psych-man, and support group stuff. This is all foreign to me coming from going thru 2 different NN's, as well as working at NNLA for a long time. I wouldn't be completely against going back to a NN - they didn't work for me because I never worked the tech outside of NN... Maybe. Who knows.

I'm heading to Discovery House tomorrow... I'll let you guys know what I find.

Thank you.  We'll be interested in hearing what you find. 

[Witnessman]

As for the so-called independent services being suggested by Discovery House, I have some level of familiarity with rather infamous Dr. Max Fried.  I will just say he is, I believe, rightly regarded at a crackpot level numerous rungs down the meter of professional respectability occupied by NNGA's utterly clueless purported Medical Director, Dr. Lisa Robbins. 

No specific comment on the others, but would suggest none is really needed.