Going to your first therapy session can feel intimidating. You may not know what to expect or where to begin discussing issues you struggle with. Most people feel this way when they start therapy. It is normal to feel nervous about revealing...
There are clinically studied links between substance abuse and mental health. For one, as many as one-third of people who have a substance use disorder such as alcoholism, opioid addiction, or cocaine addiction also have a co-occurring mental illness such as depression,...
Witnessing a loved one suffer from a mental health crisis can be terrifying, especially if they refuse treatment or do not understand the seriousness of their illness. When someone cannot make rational decisions, they may need support, but knowing how to help...
After years of struggle, Kevin finds hope, healing, and lifelong friendships at WhiteSands Treatment in Fort Myers After spending two years dependent on Suboxone, a recent patient, Kevin started his recovery journey at WhiteSands Treatment where he was met with care and...
As you go through your journey toward recovery, you may join a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Along with learning new ways of thinking and coping, you may learn some rules in these groups as well as...
Breaking the cycle of addiction and mental illness can be a difficult road. Co-occurring disorders are complex and effective treatment must be comprehensive. Medication-assisted treatment for co-occurring disorders can help with complete care for addiction treatment. Effective medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication...
Finding the right treatment center for drug or alcohol addiction is key to successful recovery, especially if you have a dual diagnosis. When dealing with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, treatment programs must address both disorders simultaneously...
Understanding the Root Cause of Addiction Helps Guests Navigate Their Recovery “Definitely a life-changing experience, the staff was truly amazing… totally put my perspective on me in a different light”, says Jerry, a recent guest of WhiteSands Treatment in Tampa. From the...
When looking at what is the best treatment for dual diagnosis, it’s important to note dual diagnosis of substance abuse can be quite challenging to treat. However, recovery is possible with the right diagnosis and treatment programs. An integrative approach that uses...
It is not uncommon for someone who is struggling with substance abuse and dependence to also have a mental health issue. More than half of individuals with drug or alcohol addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder as well, which is referred...