Complaint Review: Promis Addiction Centre

In 2008, we were desperate to get treatment for our son, Ian, for drug and alcohol abuse. After seeing an advert in Yellow Pages, we called Promis Recovery and were persuaded (after a short call) that they could treat him.

 

I was told by Promis that the cost was 4400 per week and that treatment could be for up to 4 weeks. We were so desperate to do the best for Ian that we agreed to send him for treatment and I aqreed to pay for 1 weeks treatment initially. Promis even arranged a car to pick him up from Wales and take him to the treatment centre in Kent.

 

However, 5 days after Ian went to Promis, they called and told us that they were unable to treat him for his drug/alcohol abuse as he was suffering from psychosis. They asked us to come and remove him immediately which we did. I assumed that I would be charged the 1 weeks treatment as originally agreed. However, a couple of weeks later I noticed that our bank account had been debited 8,840 paid to Promis.

 

Despite numerous calls and letters to Promis and several promises that we would receive a refund we never did (we were told that the only person who could authorise a refund was Robin Lefever). Promis then went into liquidation in 2009 (?) and, after advice, I was advised that there was probably no chance of getting any money back. I have now noticed that Promis are back in business.

 

I feel badly cheated by Promis at what was a very difficult and distressing period for my wife and I due to Ians medical/psychiatric problems. Promis Management were totally unprofessional. IWe never received any Contract for Ian's treatment or any written response to any of our requests for a refund of money taken from our bank account without our permission. 

 

Its probably too late to do anything about the money now. I just want to warn anyone who is thinking of using Promis Recovery/Treatment Centres to think very seriously before paying out.