"I’ve been sober for over 2 years continuously now and can honestly say I hardly ever think about drinking or even alcohol any more. That’s not something I thought would EVER happen a few years ago. Before I went through treatment at NORA, I thought about alcohol and drinking every day and every minute of every day – I was either planning my next drink, brainstorming a way to stop, or I was just recovering from another miserable binge.

No one ever plans to be an alcoholic and no one ever wants to be one – I never did, at least. But, I ended up just like my dad –a “functional” alcoholic. Someone whom you’d never suspect had a problem because I just didn’t look like the type. But, I think I was probably the worst kind – not morality-wise, but in the way the disease took me over. I didn’t drink for very long, but booze took me down fast. The cravings in particular, were the worst. They were so intense that I would do nearly anything to get my alcohol - I once rode my bike with a flat tire 4 miles to the store to get wine because my husband hid the car keys and disabled the engine. The need to drink for me was so strong that it overpowered my need for food, water, and shelter. It was the #1 thing in my life and it controlled me beyond a doubt. I knew it, but was powerless over it.

I tried the typical treatment programs that are out there – 12 step programs, in-patient hospitals, counseling. But, they were not new to me – I had been there before and the novelty was gone. I tried anyway, desperate to stop. I tried to do everything that was “suggested”. With tears streaming, I begged a god that belonged to someone else to help me. I still kept relapsing.

I started searching for other answers. Surely, there had to be something or someone out there that could help me and not sound like a broken record telling me that I had to be “willing to go to any lengths” to combat my disease. It had nothing to do with willingness, nor was it about my belief in god or a higher power. Alcohol had corrupted my brain to such a degree that I truly needed something extra to help me achieve what I truly wanted more than anything in my life – to be sober. Breaking it down to biological processes brought an understanding and clarity to what I knew about alcoholism.

The NORA treatment just made sense to me logically – I had read lots of books that described what happens in the brain of an alcoholic and how amino acid IV treatment was a way to correct that corruption. Chronic alcohol use depletes several different kinds of neurotransmitters in the brain – among them GABA, Serotonin, and the big one, Dopamine. The precursors to these neurotransmitters are amino acids: DL-Phenylalanine, L-Tryptophan, L-Glutamine, L-Glycine, L-Tyrosine, etc. Of course, it’s not that simple, but it made much more sense to me than some of the other wacky treatment options out there.

I cautiously and suspiciously started the amino acid IV treatment. Part of me felt like I had to try it because I just had to start trying things, otherwise I would die. They told me that my cravings would disappear - 100% gone. I didn't believe it. But if they were even 50% less, I would be happy; the money would be well worth it. I might have a fighting chance then.

The treatment itself was easy – I just sat there with an IV in my arm and talked to the other patients. I couldn’t tell if the IV solution (in particular Glutathione) made me tired or if my body was just tired after being ravaged by alcohol for a few years. I wanted to just lie on the couch a lot - not necessarily sleep, but just lie there.

After the treatment, I was deathly afraid of having those overpowering fantasy thoughts again – the ones that made me do insane things to get booze. But, I never had any. I sometimes had thoughts of alcohol and drinking, but they were these fleeting images in the far reaches of my mind. I could watch them float by in the distance and just shrug them off like a leaf falling of a tree in fall. When they came, which was not often, I would immediately counteract them with a negative image of how I hated drinking and how it was ruining my life. I had plenty of negative associations to choose from. Negative reinforcement worked well for me.

I bolstered my recovery to make sure I had an arsenal of defenses against the drink: I went to several AA meetings a week, got a sponsor, worked the program, talked to people and attended outpatient treatment. I started to feel a lot better and became more confident with less fear.

Eventually, those frail thoughts of booze ceased altogether – after about 6 months, I relaxed. I realized they weren’t coming; they weren’t ever coming. Those overpowering cravings, those fantastical thoughts about how drinking would be wonderful never came again. I owe my sobriety to the NORA treatment, without which, I would surely be dead by now."

- Stephanie

"After using meth heavily for the last 2 years, I came to the N.O.R.A. Clinic as an emotional and physical wreck with my life in pieces. Trying traditional drug rehabilitation in the past had only helped me to a certain extent and I soon found myself relapsing-- caught once again in the vicious cycle of my drug addiction. Desperately seeking a way to conquer my addiction and make a better life for myself, I came across N.O.R.A. Clinic online and was immediately intrigued by the more alternative approaches it had to offer.

My experience at the N.O.R.A. Clinic has been nothing but positive and full of success. The atmosphere is extremely relaxing and the staff makes you feel very comfortable from the beginning. The amino acid IV therapy has helped me tremendously, both physically and mentally. I no longer have any cravings whatsoever and feel more healthier than I have in a VERY long time.

I feel less fatigued and now have the natural energy needed to take on the day. I am sharper in the mind and have improved mental clarity overall. I feel that my logic and reasoning has improved greatly, enabling me to better deal with life's problems and any other challenges I may face in the future. Counseling with Steve has helped me to overcome my emotional hardships and put the past behind me. I now have a new lease on life and am truly confident that I can build a new drug-free life for myself. Thank you N.O.R.A. for all your help and support!"

- Branden

STILL Clean!

"I am just over 7 months clean and doing great. No relapses, or even the desire to do so. After doing meth for 3 years, and pretty hard to boot, I had forgotten how good it feels to be clean. I often look back now and wonder what I was thinking when I was using?

I credit you (Steve) and your treatment for my success. I feel that without N.O.R.A. I would have had a relapse by now. I have no cravings, or any desire to use meth. You may not realize it, but you probably have saved my life.

I like the addiction recovery video on You Tube. I remember the walk down the hall to the treatment room quite well. It felt like I was there. I actually sat in those very chairs. You and the treatment are saving lives. Making people who cannot function, function. I thank God for bringing me to you, and I thank you for curing me of my addiction.

And what more Godly setting than Durango? I told someone while I was walking one morning there in Durango, as she was looking up at the rising sun, "it may not quite be heaven, but it's close".

It's still work re-learning how to make the right choices in life, but the treatment makes that part a whole lot easier. Thank you Steve and your staff for my sobriety. Keep up the good work."

- Don

Meth Addiction

"I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) at age 13, after years of feeling sickly and doctor-hopping . I felt totally exhausted and run-down with constant flu-like symptoms that left me sometimes feeling, at worst, like a human vegetable. Granted, I had ups and downs where I felt more normal, but in general, it was obvious that I wasn’t keeping up with the rest.

I had no idea then that I was dopamine and serotonin-deficient. My drug of choice—methamphetamine—compensated for that. From age 21-31, I depended on meth for my energy. It got me through my days and completely put CFS behind me. I knew very well, that this was not the long-term answer because the side-effects would ultimately kill me. There had to be a better way.

However, most of the programs I found treated the addiction as a psychological and behavioral disorder rather than a physical deficiency. They were built on the premise that you’re powerless over your addiction—once an addict, always an addict—a daily struggle for the rest of your life. They teach you that you have no will power over the addiction. Their focus on what they believe your problem to be is monotonous, and they provide no real solution.

NORA focuses on the solution. They acknowledged that my problem was physical and not a weakness in character—that taking meth was my attempt to self-medicate. They treated my bio-chemical imbalance with an amino acid IV drip, which eliminated withdrawal symptoms. I no longer have any cravings. Within the 10-day period of treatment, I went through a total metamorphosis.

Along with the IV treatment, they offer acupuncture and massage to assist with detoxing and healing. Steve Sewell, the Director of NORA also provides amazing, daily one-on-one personal counseling, to help put your addiction behind you once and for all, and start a new life.

Today, only five months later, I have completed my High School Equivalency Diploma and am currently enrolled in school to get my Certified Nursing Assistant license. I’ve also been watching my 95-yr-old grandmother four days a week, and work a part-time job.

NORA was a miracle for me! I couldn’t have done it without them.
Thank you, NORA!"

- Peace & Love, Jennifer B.

"My daughter used methamphetamines almost daily for about 10 years. She was so easily agitated and irritable that I couldn’t hold a conversation with her without crying. I finally tried cutting myself off, emotionally, thinking that if she was going down, I couldn’t let her take me down with her. I’d lost my only child to drug abuse.

I looked into several different treatment programs, but she wouldn’t consider any of them. She said they just tore you down and labeled you as an addict with no power over the drugs. She refused to participate because she felt they were so negative. When I called several local rehab programs, they were very vague about information related to their recidivism rates. One private counselor actually told me that she went to treatment at least 5 times before she successfully got off drugs. Another counselor told me that she went to a well-known center for alcohol rehabilitation for a one-month program, and was drinking on the plane on the way home. Another counselor from a prominent and well-known program told me that I needed to totally cut my daughter out of my life—not even talk with her—until she was ready for treatment. That didn’t feel very loving or supportive to me and I just couldn’t do it.

Then I found NORA, with the help of my local Doctor of Natural Medicine. After visiting their website and talking with the director, my daughter agreed to go through their program. This was no small miracle!

Through the 10-day amino acid IV treatment, acupuncture, massage, one-on-one counseling, and follow-up, my daughter is building a new life. She has a part-time job (24 hrs/wk), and will soon finish the required work to obtain her High School Equivalency Diploma. After that, she plans to continue her education. Her self-confidence is building as she accepts new responsibilities and experiences the positive outcomes of her efforts. It has required a lot of patience and tough love to call her on the negative behavior patterns she’s developed over the years, and help her become accountable for making changes.

We couldn’t have done it without the program at NORA. This treatment helped her body balance its natural chemistry, and diminish and eliminate the cravings. The follow-up supplements help her to stay healthy, motivated and happy. The entire staff at NORA were wonderfully caring and capable--the director, doctor, nurses, acupuncturist, masseuse and office staff. I am so grateful! I have my daughter back, even though I fully expect she’ll be moving out on her own soon—and isn’t that what a responsible adult should be doing?! So, don’t give up hope. NORA worked for my daughter and it might help you or your loved ones, too. "

- Mary H., Daughter treated 11-07

"Steve Sewell what a great spirit you are. Its really refreshing to know that you are so adept in all the healing arts. You have found your calling and put together a program to take on the myriad of issues regarding the age old problem of addiction.

I found your treatment to be the most well thought out plan for the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual components that have enormous effect on the healing of the patient.

I am completely convinced Steve Sewell and his excellent staff, all with their own special gifts to offer the patient are doing the very best treatment possible. This treatment works period.
Shaman Steve the Eagle, I love you!"

- Tony

"This seems too good to be true, but it isn't. I forever expected to be an amphetamine addict - I am not anymore!"

"My life before receiving treatment at the N.O.R.A. Clinic was a desolate nightmare. I literally gauged my life and activities by how many Adderall pills I had left in my prescription.

I was doctor shopping, spending everything I earned on prescription amphetamines. I literally had been on some type of amphetamine everyday of my life since the age of 12 - I am now 36.

This [amino acid] treatment has 100% made amphetamines a thing of the past. Believe me, I had tried to quit but the lethargy and depression was too incredible to overcome. This treatment was only 10 days, but I feel better than I ever have in my life!

This [amino acid] treatment is a purely physiological, scientific approach. I researched this for an entire year before coming. Our bodies need amino acids, they are what is basically the building blocks of the human brain!

I promise whatever your addiction may be, this treatment is the #1 most important step in recovery. I needed to replenish my body from what years of stimulant abuse depleted me of. The therapy, the IV drip, the support, is all inclusive.

I had emotional baggage literally fade away with the guided imagery and intensive therapy sessions.

This seems too good to be true, but it isn't. I FOREVER EXPECTED TO BE AN AMPHETAMINE ADDICT - I AM NOT ANYMORE!

I am free of addictions, free of toxic emotional baggage. I am now free to be the person I was meant to be!

I will happily talk with anyone about the treatment, it will change your life!"

-Heather W., Sandy, UT
Treated February '07

"I had been a chronic relapser for 10 years. I tried over and over to try and stop but it only got worse. The alcohol and drugs were killing me. My body was deteriorating and more health problems were arising. I had chronic lethargy and depression. I knew I needed to heal my brain and my body of the nutrients I was deficient of. There are only two places in the country that do the IV Amino Acids. I knew I needed Intravenous because some Amino Acids are poorly absorbed when taken orally. Taking them orally could have taken many months to be effective.

I began the IV Amino Acid treatment and after 3 days I had no physical cravings. I learned an incredible amount in the 10 days and I have Steve (Director) to thank for that. My brain was healed from the Amino Acids and my spirit was healed through the counseling and guided imagery. As we know, recovery is a continuous process but I feel what I received in 10 days would have taken at least a year elsewhere.

I’m so glad I chose NORA in Colorado. The atmosphere was so relaxing and I felt completely at home. The nurses were so compassionate and talented. Thanks so much Bart (RN) and Molly (paramedic) for making me feel so comfortable – you both are wonderful! Steve, thanks for ALL your help and hard work. Your dedication and perseverance is amazing. Thank you for helping me become clean and sober, full of so much energy and happiness that I have never known. Thank you Jana (Recovery Coach in Pagosa Springs) for all your encouragement and support. I couldn’t have done it with out you! I was truly blessed by angels….thank you all for my new life!"

- Laura D., New York
Treated June '06

"Two months ago I participated in the intravenous amino acid therapy program at the N.O.R.A. clinic in Durango, CO (formerly of Pagosa Springs). I did the treatment with the hopes that it would help me overcome my severe addiction to alcohol and drugs. I am elated to report that I have been clean and sober for a little over two months and am feeling better than I can remember feeling in my adult life.

My alcoholism had reached such a chronic state that I had begun to believe that I was beyond help and that an alcoholic death was simply my destiny. I had tried numerous treatment centers (6 in 18 months) and different programs (inpatient and out). I had gone to A.A., N.A., and C.A. twelve step meetings, but nothing seemed to work. My condition seemed hopeless.

I had over 14 emergency room visits in twelve months, I had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and my abnormal liver enzymes were off the chart. In all reality I should have died a dozen times over. More than once my parents received a call from an emergency room doctor saying “There is no logical reason your daughter should still be breathing but…”

My life had fallen apart. I dropped out of Graduate School, lost my job, car, place to live and all self-respect in a matter of months. I was smoking crack, injecting heroin and at my worst, drinking over a fifth of hard alcohol a day. I had every reason to quit (foremost being I was going to die) but could not seem to stop. Toward the end of my using, my cravings were so severe that I was drinking hairspray, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, air-freshener- anything I could find with alcohol in it.

When I started the amino acid program it truly seemed like the only thing I hadn’t tried and I was skeptical. In the first three days my cravings ceased almost entirely. I experienced absolutely no withdrawal symptoms, which is amazing because in the past I had been so shaky I couldn’t hold a glass of water and experienced Delirium Tremors so severe I was almost placed in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. I felt none of the anxiety or consuming cravings to use that I ALWAYS had when I detoxed previously.

Today my life is wonderful. I have a job I like and a serious relationship with another person that I love. I am moving into my own apartment this week and am supporting myself. I have more energy and am sleeping better than I can ever remember. Most importantly I am no longer killing myself with drugs and alcohol.

The treatment is no “Magic Bullet”- working a program of recovery is still an essential part to maintaining sobriety. I go to A.A. regularly (at least 4 times a week). I am counting to take the amino-acid supplements orally. With this said, I do honestly believe that I would have had no chance at life whatsoever with out the “jump-start” of this treatment. I am immensely grateful to the program and the wonderful staff for helping me achieve a new lease on life. I highly recommend the amino acid therapy to anyone looking for a way out of the hell of addiction."

- Emelia A., Utah
Treated May '05

"My entire life has changed so much for the better! There are no longer battles within myself or outside of myself. I feel the Amino Acid Drip was the solution for me!"

"I had been clean and sober for almost a year before deciding to do the Amino Acid Drip. I had done a lot of inner healing work over the course of 15 years dealing with the childhood pain of being raised by a family of alcoholics and being one myself. I would have brief times of sobriety for 3 to 6 months and sometimes even more. However, I would start to get cravings again and they would always win. Sometimes a place or a certain situation would get me going. Once I started it was hard to stop.

I also battled clarity and direction in my life. I had always been very successful but also always felt a bit scattered and not as focused as I would have liked. Throughout time I realized I had been battling ADHD for many years. Doctors tried to put me on antidepressants and they made me feel like I was going insane so I never stuck with them.

All my life I have been searching for some kind of balance with my emotions, my hyper-ness, and my addictions, but didn't know what the answer was or if there even was one.

I had a friend over the years that was a severe addict and I had just about given up hope on. After watching him go through the Amino Acid Drip, I saw a BIG change in him that almost seemed unbelievable. It got me excited that maybe this has been what I was looking for to balance the chemical and physical issues that had been plaguing me for as long as I can remember.

Well, it has been just under 2 years since I did the Amino Acid Drip and it turns out that this was the missing link in my healing process. My entire life has changed so much for the better. I am clear, focused, calm, peaceful, and very balanced. For the first time in my life, I am experiencing a true happiness coming from deep within me and I wouldn't change a thing. There are no longer any battles within myself or outside of myself.

Sometimes I wake up and need someone to pinch me because I almost can't believe this is my wonderful, happy, awesome life!!!

Best of all, I no longer have any cravings for any kind of drug or alcohol and the mere thought of drinking or using makes me feel sick to my stomach. I wouldn't want to sacrifice the incredible feeling of sobriety.

It has taken me over 40 years to get to this divine place in my life and I feel the Amino Acid Drip was the solution for me and I strongly feel that everybody would benefit from it in one way or another.

I owe my wonderful life and my balanced way of being to Steve and the team at the N.O.R.A. clinic. Thank you for everything!"

- Stuart R., Colorado
Ttreated July 2006

For Steve:

CONTROL

What’s on my mind I can hardly think.

My thoughts change daily every time I blink

I am losing my thoughts I feel out of control

I feel as if my mind just fell into a black hole.

Pieces of me are so scrambled around

The scrambling so loud I can hardly hear a sound

Then along came you to quiet things down

You fixed all the scrambling and lowered the sound

You put the pieces together and turned me around

You brought light to my dark

When I thought there would never be another spark

You brought me control and pulled me out of the black hole

You reached inside of me and brought out my soul

And along with that you brought me control.

- Austin

The Real Deal To Heal

"I moved to Pagosa Springs, CO approximately two years ago. One of the reasons I moved here was because I had Leukoplakia (which is a pre-cancerous condition, located in the mouth, which can become fatal). The future did not look very bright for me, so I wanted to come here so I could have some beauty, peace and tranquility, in my life before it was over.

Upon everything I had learned, Pagosa had a variety of alternative medicine, healings of all kinds, so I started trying many of these things to try to heal. I figured why not, I had nothing left to lose. I had little success, and then a miracle happened. I was fortunate enough to run into an organization known as NORA (National Organization for Recovering Alcoholics). By the way, alcohol and nicotine are the leading cause of Leukoplakia, so as you can probably figure out by now that I also had addiction problems. After talking to Steve Sewell, nutrient specialist at NORA along with affiliated medical doctors and nurses, it was suggested that I should get ten IV drips for ten days.

Conclusion: After the IV bags and various amino acids, I no longer have Leukoplakia.

I no longer have addiction problems.

I can think more clearly than I ever had before.

I have all the energy I need and I feel ten years younger.

So, I just wanted to say, Thank you Pagosa Springs and most of all Thank you Steve Swell, (NORA); Dr. Dan Hepburn, MD; Peggy Gillean, RN."

- Sincerely, Phil E.

An edited version of this letter was published in the Pagosa Springs Sun newspaper in March 2005

Alcohol Addiction

"Fresh start is an understatement! As I leave here today, I am not alone. I have the wealth of gentle, effective support.

My body has what it needs and my emotions are now a positive part of who I am. I also leave with more tools and knowledge than my other "recovery" programs have provided. These programs reinforced the embarrassment and shame that kept me. They also turn a deaf ear to real nutrition and whole health.

Not drinking does not return you to a life of peace and well-being. The peace and well-being that come through the work and support here is the real replacement for the drug.

Thank you doesn't say enough! The Mind and Body Works is an oasis in every sense of the word. God brought me to this place so that I can now live the life meant for me. I pray you find this place too!"

- Cindy R.

This Program is the Miracle You Seek

"I have battled with multiple addiction issues since I was 16 years old. I am now 45 and thanks to this program, alive and with a complete new lease on life. In the end, it was alcohol and a variety of "prescribed meds" that had made an utter and complete nightmare out of my life.

When I walked in the door to begin this treatment, I was on my last legs. I was tired, beaten down, hopeless, helpless, scared and utterly defeated. I could not imagine a life without Vodka and could not fathom how I could possibly manage my chronic pain from several spinal conditions without all the prescription drugs I was using. However, I had researched this therapy before and it was the only thing that made sense to me. I had been to AA, tried the white knuckle and willpower approach; none of it worked for me. I always wound up right back where I started. Each time I went back, my alcholism escalated. The cravings never went away and I began to plan my entire existence around how I could obtain more alcohol.

I did a random search on the internet about different therapies and quite by chance landed on the NORA/Mind and Body Works site. As I read the information, something in my soul told me I had found the right place. When I realized the clinic was literally in my own backyard (20 miles from me), I was stunned.

There are no accidents. I called and spoke with Steve Sewell twice and just couldn't figure out how I would pay for the treatment. By the time I made up my mind I realized I could not afford not to do the treatment. I reached the point of knowing I did not want to die and that my life WAS worth saving!

After day one, my cravings simply were NOT there. It has now been 24 days since that first day and I have been in many situations that involved alcohol and/or drugs. It is simply a non-issue for me. I can't even remember that taste and the smell of beer turns me off. If you have not experienced it, you can't imagine it, but I want all of you to know that this is "REAL". I prayed for a miracle and I got one.

The thing is, this is not just a physical condition. It is clearly connected to mind, body and spirit. Recently, Michael Jackson died. I heard one of our great spiritual leaders say that Michael was trying to medicate pain in his heart and in his soul like physical pain. He tried to medicate the pain away and that kind of pain can't be medicated. Sound familiar?

Well, Steve and the entire program know this. It is designed to treat all of those things in a very effective way. Steve literally blew the doors off my 12 years of conventional psycho-therapy in 10 days.

The acupuncture, massage, and healing touch have all contributed to a sense of well being and calm I have not possessed since I was a child. Colors are brighter, my breathing slow and steady. I can focus again and find enjoyment in simple things. My brain chatter has subsided to allow positive thoughts a place to thrive again.

Amino Acids are called the building blocks of life and now I know why. My life has been given back to me. Thank you N.O.R.A. clinic for all you have and will continue to do. The debt of gratitude I owe all of you can never be repaid..."

- Kathleen C.

Thank You For Saving Kathy's Life

"I want to thank all of you for the help and care you gave Kathy when she was in treatment. When I first saw your web site I was pretty skeptical about your program and what the results might be, but the road that Kathy was on was going to lead to her death and I feared that road was getting short.

I was willing to try anything to save her so we got in touch with Steve and went to Durango. When we first met Steve and Drue I was somewhat reassured. But now after 30 days of sobriety for Kathy I can say it is nothing short of a miracle.

Kathy's life has completely changed. She is a new person, her mind is clear and she is making good decisions. She is able to control her impulsive desires. You people are wonderful! Thank you for saving Kathy's life!

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
- Frank

For everything you have done...
For everything you have given...
Thank you very much.

"Words can't say how much you have helped."

- Kathy

Life is About Finding Yourself and Creating Yourself

"I came to Durango eleven days ago, not knowing anyone. Was dropped off at the hostel as a lost soul. Two of those days, before I started my Amino Acid treatment, I was intoxicated, lost my identification, fell down, asked strangers for a ride home...

Before I cam here, I was one who doubted my strength to recover. I've been drinking and using every day, every kind of drug imaginable for forty years. I've been through the prison system, grief recovery, mental health, suicidal thoughts and many treatment centers.

I was in prison until nine days ago when I started therapy with Steve Sewell. He guided me and opened my eyes to a new perspective of real living - into a beautiful life. Insights and guidance that my eyes were closed to before treatment.

Today I possess the ability to recover from the adversity I have experienced and carry a positive self image and belief. I am balanced and learning to listen to my inner wisdom and tap into my foundation.

I recommend this program to anyone who has been in the darkness and shadows that I have. My craving was gone on day one.

Special thanks to Steve and all of the crew. I have support here and they've helped me to love myself "as I am" and everything is working out "as it should be."

I've been set free and have that peace. Reach for the gold at the end of the rainbow."

- Kathy