Sarasota Patient Learns How to Manage Addiction at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Patient Has Credence Knowing Her Addiction is Under Control

Donna, a former patient at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Sarasota, is grateful for the team who taught her how to accept and manage her disease.

“Patrick and Nicole are a team to assist you with the best form of treatment with a clear path of what needs to be done to change the way an addict thinks,” she states.

The thought process of an addict needs to be altered so they understand they are struggling with a disease, and this was not a choice. There are many diseases that individuals can struggle with but addiction is a disease that is both manageable and treatable.

Often, addicts get caught up in perpetual negative thinking and find it hard to escape their thoughts surrounding addiction. They often blame themselves but are also in denial about their disease. Once they come to terms with the fact that they have an illness and need help, recovery becomes possible. With the proper tools and resources, patients can enjoy a life free from the stronghold of addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Addiction Is a Disease, Not a Choice

The disease model states that addiction is a disease and is comparable to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Various factors play into the condition that will vary from person to person, such as psychological, behavioral, genetics, and environmental. With the constant and persistent use of drugs and alcohol, the disease of addiction alters how the brain functions, ultimately compromising the health and quality of life for the individual as well as those around them.

Despite the severe consequences of drug and alcohol abuse, addicts find it difficult to stop, and this is much deeper than simply a lack of willpower. This is because the brain is altered in such a way that makes it very hard to quit using, despite the toll it is taking on every facet of their life.

Some of the factors that play into addiction are:

• Hereditary and family history
• Biological and genetics
• Environmental
• Thought process
• Underlying mental health disorder

Why Treatment Is Needed to Overcome Addiction

Addiction is a relapsing disease which means it takes constant and consistent work to sustain abstinence from drug and alcohol use if you want to maintain sobriety. Even one ‘slip up’ can spiral a former addict right back into the grips of addiction. Engaging in your recovery by being part of support groups, alumni programs and connecting with a network of individuals on a recovery journey can help you stay on a promising path.

Substance use disorder (AUD), while a complex disease, is a treatable and manageable disease. When struggling individuals have access to quality care and are provided tools, resources, trigger management skills, and coping mechanisms, they are much more successful in reaching and maintaining sobriety.

Addiction is not something that simply disappears. Instead, it is a condition that the individual will have to manage for their entire life, as relapse is imminent if they do not adequately address it. These realities are part of this chronic disease, and relapse is forthcoming without discipline and an unwavering commitment to sobriety.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Sarasota can help. Through comprehensive, all-inclusive treatment options, patients will have the support, guidance, and tools to reach sustained sobriety. The key to getting better is picking up the phone and calling the intake team at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.