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WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab - Fort Myers Drug Treatment Center

If you are looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, please read through the presentation below

WhiteSands Recognized by Newsweek as Top-Rated Addiction Treatment Facility in 2020

Addiction Treatment Center for Fort Myers, FL Residents Alcohol-Drug Rehab & Detox

Best Detox & Rehab Center for Residents of Fort Myers, FL

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab was voted the number one addiction treatment center in Florida by Newsweek magazine. Newsweek’s rankings were based on an independent survey of health care professionals in the state who were asked to score addiction treatment centers based on quality of service, reputation, accreditation, range of treatment options, and amenities and accommodations. We are proud to offer effective addiction treatment programs that are individually tailored to suit each person’s unique recovery needs. WhiteSands strives to provide all the tools and resources required to give each person we treat the best possible chance of making a successful long term recovery. We believe that WhiteSands is the best option for addiction treatment for residents of Fort Myers and people across the state of Florida and the US. We invite you to continue reading to learn more about what sets WhiteSands apart from the crowd of alcohol and drug rehab options you have to choose from.

Alcohol Detox Treatment Near Me

Depending on your treatment needs, you might begin your alcohol rehab program by going through detox in our residential treatment center in Fort Myers. It’s easy to underestimate how serious alcohol detox can be. That’s why we strongly recommend that anyone thinking of quitting drinking should do so under careful medical supervision.

Even though alcohol is a legal substance that’s commonly accepted in many social situations, it has significant dangers. When someone who’s been drinking heavily for an extended period of time suddenly quits drinking, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. There is a risk that these symptoms can not only be uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous.

Choosing to come to WhiteSands for alcohol detox means you’ll have around-the-clock medical supervision. Our medical staff is on site full time and includes board certified medical doctors, psychiatrists, and nursing staff. These clinicians can provide prescription medications that can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and make the detox process much easier to manage. WhiteSands also uses a slow tapering off method which further helps to ensure clients comfort and safety when quitting drinking.

Once you’ve completed detox, you’ll continue on with inpatient treatment here in our Fort Myers campus followed by a step down to an outpatient treatment model. WhiteSands has rehab treatment centers all over Florida so you’re sure to find one conveniently located near home.

Drug Detox Center for Fort Myers Residents

If you’re looking for the right drug detox center in Fort Myers, then look no further than WhiteSands. Our amenity-filled inpatient treatment facility in Fort Myers offers medically managed detox to safely and comfortably help patients wean off substances.

Getting through the detox process is different for everyone and will depend heavily on the type of substance you were taking before treatment. In order to determine the correct combination of medications and treatment needed, we’ll need to work through a complete assessment of your situation.

Some people may benefit from taking certain prescription medications through the detox process. Others may need to carefully taper down the doses they were taking under medical supervision for their own safety.

No matter what your detox protocol, you can rest assured that your comfort and well being are front and center in everything we do at WhiteSands.

Keep in mind that detox is just the first step in the recovery process. Detox works to break the body’s dependency on the substance and reduces your tolerance levels. Yet detox on its own won’t address the underlying psychological reasons behind addictive behaviors.

WhiteSands Stories of Recovery

Alcohol Rehab Center Near Me

Finding an alcohol rehab center near home can make it easier for many people to engage with their treatment programs. Making the decision to detox from alcohol abuse is the first step to your healthy recovery. Yet detox is just the first step in any comprehensive alcohol rehab program.

Detoxing from alcohol is commonly underestimated by many people. They tend to believe the person caught in the grip of addiction simply needs to quit drinking.

Yet detoxing from alcohol can be potentially dangerous for some people. If you’ve been abusing alcohol regularly for a long period of time or drinking daily, you might be one of those people at risk. For your own safety it’s important that you don’t try to detox at home on your own.

Of course, detox is just the beginning of your recovery. Detox only eliminates the toxins from your system and breaks your body’s alcohol tolerance levels. In order to improve your chances of making a successful long term recovery, it’s also important to address the emotional and psychological triggers behind problem drinking behaviors.

During your time at WhiteSands our caring and experienced counselors will work with you to explore some of the underlying triggers behind your alcohol abuse issues. You’ll learn to recognize and identify the triggers that increase your risk of relapse. Your counselor will then work with you to develop a strong relapse prevention strategy that works for your individual needs.

Drug Rehab Center Near Me

Fortunately, WhiteSands has drug rehab treatment centers all over Florida, so you should easily be able to find a drug rehab center near home.

When you stay temporarily at our luxurious inpatient treatment center in Fort Myers you’ll have the opportunity to focus on your healthy recovery without worrying about any temptations or distractions from home. You’ll have the advantage of medical monitoring and medication management, as well as the opportunity to begin creating new daily routines focused on your healthy recovery.

Throughout your drug rehab program your counselor will work with you to uncover your motivations for change. You’ll also begin developing a relapse prevention strategy to help you avoid people, places or situations that could increase your risk of relapsing after you leave rehab.

After a short period of time you will have built up your confidence and learned some positive new recovery skills. At this point you’ll be able to step down to an outpatient rehab model.

As an outpatient you’ll attend treatment sessions and group meetings regularly throughout the week, but you’ll also have the flexibility to keep up with any work or study commitments or family obligations you have.

Detox Treatment for Opioids

Detoxing from opioids is never as simple as deciding to just quit by going cold turkey. Many people may have tried this option at home before coming to WhiteSands and learned that they experienced withdrawal symptoms that drove them to relapse just to make those painful symptoms stop.

At WhiteSands we assess each person’s individual recovery needs before tailoring the right treatment plan. Our goal is to ensure your comfort and safety at all times throughout your recovery.

Some people in recovery may benefit from a period of medical detox. Depending on how severe your addiction is at the time you come into rehab, your addiction treatment specialist might suggest your dose of treatment medication is gradually tapered down over a period of time under careful medical supervision. Others may need to remain on medically assisted treatments for a longer period of time.

The key to determining the right type of detox treatment for your individual needs is to call WhiteSands. We’re here to answer any questions you have about detox and the recovery process.

Opioid Rehab

One of the key aspects of your rehab program for opioid addiction is helping you explore new ways of dealing with life’s stresses without the need for drugs. Each day you’re in rehab is specifically structured around helping you develop new daily routines that focus on living a healthy, productive lifestyle without the need for drugs or alcohol.

Your daily routine will include participating in regular counseling sessions and group support meetings, but your successful recovery involves much more.

When you first arrive at WhiteSands we’ll undertake a thorough assessment of your physical, mental, and emotional treatment needs. We’ll then customize the right combination of medications, treatments and therapies best suited to your recovery.

Your counselor will also work closely with you to identify some of the underlying emotional triggers behind addictive behaviors. When you learn to recognize the people, places and situations that can act as triggers for substance use. You’re in a strong position to create your own relapse prevention strategy that can reduce the risk of relapsing back into former patterns of behavior after leaving rehab.

Throughout your early recovery you’re also encouraged to participate in group support meetings. Each meeting provides an opportunity to learn from peers facing similar challenges. You’ll also feel less isolated as you realize everyone in the group with you is in the same boat.

Medically Assisted Treatment

If you’re coming to WhiteSands to be treated for opioid addiction, our treatment specialists might suggest medically assisted treatment (MAT). The objective of MAT is to replace the drug you were taking with safer controlled medications, such as Suboxone that help manage cravings and ease any withdrawal symptoms as you work through your rehab treatment program.

Many people associate methadone with medically treating opioid addiction. At WhiteSands we prefer to use Suboxone for a number of reasons. Suboxone is a prescription medication made using a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, and comes with a significantly reduced potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose in recovering people. The medication is often used to treat opioid addiction, but it’s also useful for reducing the risk of accidental overdose in the event of a relapse.

Medically assisted treatment may not be right for everyone’s recovery needs. Others may need different types of medications to help treat any adverse withdrawal symptoms.

For example, if you’re coming to WhiteSands to be treated for alcohol addiction you may benefit from taking medications such as anti-nausea meds or bupropion to control cravings.

Some may also require prescription medications to treat any previously undiagnosed or poorly managed mental health condition. It’s important to ensure any co-occurring mental health disorders are properly managed in order to improve likely outcomes for drug rehab programs.

If you’re in rehab for addiction to benzodiazepine drugs, such as Xanax or Valium, your treatment program may require careful medication monitoring. Our onsite medical staff will slowly taper down your existing doses over a period of time to ensure your safety during detox.

If you’d like to learn more about some of the different types of medications we use in our rehab treatment programs and how they can help your recovery, call WhiteSands today.

What Is Detox Like?

The actual detox process can often be different for everyone and depends on the type of substance you were taking before entering treatment. It’s possible some people may have mild withdrawal symptoms, but others may be at risk of developing more serious symptoms that could require emergency medical assistance.

You’ll have the benefit of around-the-clock medical supervision from our onsite physicians and medical staff. They’re also able to administer any medications you need to keep you comfortable as part of your treatment plan.

Many people need to detox slowly over a period of time under medical supervision for their safety. For example, detoxing from benzodiazepine drugs can potentially be dangerous if you try to stop taking them suddenly. Our onsite medical staff will provide medication monitoring so that the dose you’re taking is gradually tapered down until you’re safely free from the drug.

What Is Rehab Like?

Many people worry about what rehab will be like. That’s why WhiteSands was designed so you feel as though you’re coming to a homey environment where you feel welcome, relaxed, and comfortable.

Every day of your rehab treatment program is specifically structured around your healthy recovery. You’ll start creating new daily routines that focus on your health and wellbeing as you learn new ways to get through the stresses of daily life without the need for drugs or alcohol.

If you’re like many others who come to WhiteSands, you may have developed some poor self-care habits while you were struggling with substance abuse. Some of these habits might include irregular sleeping patterns, low self-esteem and self-image problems, a lack of interest in personal grooming and hygiene, and generally unhealthy eating habits.

While you’re at WhiteSands we’ll work with you to start building healthy new routines for your sober lifestyle. Some of these routines may focus on counseling and group meetings. However others work on helping you develop better levels of self-care that help boost your self-confidence levels as you heal.

We also ensure you have access to healthy meals that can make it easier for your body to heal from the ravages of substance abuse. Eating nutritious meals can help correct any vitamin deficiencies at the same time as improving your physical health.

Eating nutritious meals at regular times also makes it easier for your body to heal. It can also help reduce the severity of some symptoms associated with withdrawal. Eating healthy food at regular times is a good way to establish a good routine of self-care.

Our addiction treatment specialists will work with you to develop a tailored treatment program suited to your individual recovery needs. Your counselors are here to provide support and guidance as you learn to identify and recognize your own unique addiction triggers. You’ll also begin working through some of the underlying psychological reasons behind addictive behaviors.

Throughout your early recovery it’s likely you’ll feel cravings, or overwhelming urges, to go back into former addictive patterns of behavior. When those cravings get really bad you might start feeling anxious or agitated.

An important part of your rehab program is exploring new ways to manage cravings, relieve feelings of agitation or anxiety, reduce stress, and find ways to relax using healthy coping skills. Some common alternative therapies we might use include mindfulness meditation, therapeutic massage, yoga classes or fitness programs.

Participating in a fitness program or starting an exercise program can be a great way to release feel-good endorphins at the same time as improving your physical health and endurance.

By comparison, joining in with a yoga class can be a healthy way to promote relaxation. The gentle stretches help improve flexibility and mobility at the same time as improving overall physical and emotional health. You’ll also learn some controlled breathing techniques that are ideal for reducing stress and leaving you feeling rejuvenated after each session.

Family therapy is also integrated into your overall rehab program. Many people think only the person recovering from addiction needs therapy. Yet your loved ones and family members are closely tied to your addictive behaviors too, so therapy can help in more ways than one. They’ll learn more about their roles in your recovery and how they can best support you by providing unconditional love without enabling. You’ll also have the opportunity to begin mending damaged relationships within your family.

While you’ll participate in prescheduled counseling sessions and group meetings through the week, you’ll also have plenty of downtime too. You’ll find plenty of recreation amenities on the grounds to enjoy, as well as lots of leisure pursuits to explore.

Throughout each week you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of off-site activities too. We host regular bowling and movie nights, as well as barbecue cookouts so you can enjoy a burger or steak cooked just the way you like it.

You’re also encouraged to join in with regular off-site beach outings or park trips. It’s up to you whether you want to kick back and relax during each trip, or whether you want to take the opportunity to explore some of the nearby hiking trails, enjoy the water with some swimming or fishing, or explore the local waterways in a canoe or kayak.

Each of our off-site outings provides an opportunity to get away from it all and spend some time exploring different ways to enjoy the great outdoors. We really work hard to be sure you have plenty of leisure activities to enjoy during your free time.

While it may seem like your entire week is structured and scheduled for you, you’ll also have plenty of downtime to enjoy recreational activities or other leisure pursuits. Once your counseling and treatment sessions are done for the day, you’ll have plenty of time to yourself.

It’s completely up to you whether you want to participate in any of the recreational activities available at WhiteSands, or whether you’d prefer to spend time alone in quiet reflection on the tranquil grounds amid the lush tropical landscape.

About Fort Myers

An important part of your successful recovery from addiction is engaging in healthy activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol. Throughout your rehab treatment program you would have been encouraged to participate in a variety of alternative therapies and activities that help you manage cravings, reduce stress and relieve anxiety throughout your recovery.

After you leave rehab, you’re encouraged to continue engaging in similar healthy activities that help to keep you active and have some fun at the same time. Fortunately there are plenty of activities and leisure pursuits to explore in Fort Myers that can help you maintain and enjoy the sober lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Defy Fort Myers

What better way to exercise than to have plenty of fun at the same time? Defy Fort Myers adventure zone is the ideal place to let off some steam and enjoy yourself at the same time. Defy has trampolines, trapezes and aerial equipment, rock climbing walls, Ninja courses, foam pits and even dodgeball courts.

9370 Dynasty Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33905

Manatee Park

Take some time out to relax at Manatee Park. The park provides a warm water refuge for manatees. There’s an extensive butterfly garden and plenty of picnic areas. The park also offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, canoeing or kayaking so it’s a great place to relax during your downtime.

10901 Palm Beach Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33905

Happehatchee Center

The Happehatchee Center is a private wellness retreat located along the Estero River that gives you a great opportunity to get away from it all and spend time focused on your well-being. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including kayaking along the river and hiking. You can also join in with various wellness activities, including yoga classes, Ayurveda, meditation sessions, and tai chi groups. If you’re keen to help others with their wellness goals, you’re welcome to volunteer your time and give something back to the community.

8791 Corkscrew Rd.
Estero, FL 33928

Estero Bay

Estero Bay was the first aquatic preserve in Florida and features lots of white, sandy beaches. Grab a canoe or kayak and paddle your way through the maze-like mangrove tunnels or explore some of the many cultural and historical spots in the area. Right behind Fort Myers Beach the Estero Bay estuary are lots of mangrove islands and backwater trails to paddle your way around. When you’re done paddling, you might relax on the white sandy beach, swim in the pristine waters, take a stroll along the hiking trails or just explore the unspoiled 17 acres the park has to offer.

Aside from the few suggestions listed here, Fort Myers also offers plenty of restaurants, eateries and cafés to sample. There are also plenty of museums, art galleries, sporting stadiums, camping grounds, hiking trails, and lots of other interesting things to do.

The key is to invite some friends to come with you while you explore some new sober activities together. You’ll be surprised by how much Fort Myers has to offer.

What Type of Amenities Does WhiteSands Offer?

When you choose to come to WhiteSands for your addiction treatment needs, you’ll have the advantage of staying in luxurious accommodations surrounded by a beautiful landscape.

Every guest of WhiteSands stays in their own private room, complete with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and a queen-sized bed. Each room at our residential facility has a view of the stunning tropical landscape outside too, so you’ll awaken each day to lovely views.

Your rehab treatment program isn’t all focused on counseling and group meetings. We also integrate a number of other alternative and wellness therapies too. After all, your body needs an opportunity to heal too.

At our Fort Myers treatment center you’ll have access to chiropractic care to assist with pain management. You might also book a therapeutic massage session in the massage room if you want some space to relax and de-stress.

Some people find that developing a fitness program can benefit their recovery in a number of ways. Aside from improving physical health and fitness, exercising also promotes the release of feel-good endorphins which helps reduce stress and agitation.

While you’re a guest at WhiteSands you have access to our fitness center, which is equipped with plenty of cardio and strength training equipment. There are also personal trainers available who will work with you to create your personal exercise program and to help you achieve your fitness goals.

If you prefer a more relaxing form of exercise, you might join in with a yoga class. Aside from being great for improving mobility and flexibility, yoga also promotes relaxation, helps relieve anxiety and leaves you feeling rejuvenated after each session.

You can also choose to shoot some hoops out on the basketball court or play a game of volleyball on the sand court. There are also two swimming pools on the grounds, so you can swim a few laps or just laze by the poolside after your treatment sessions have ended for the day.

You can also pamper yourself with our spa services and salon. Men can get a haircut, while women can enjoy a makeover with hair styling and nails. After all, when you look good, you feel good too so you’ll be working on boosting your self-esteem levels at the same time.

There’s also access to computers with internet connection in the business center if you’re pursuing studies. You might even choose to enroll in a new study program while you’re at WhiteSands or access some job skills training to improve your employment prospects once you leave rehab. Speak with your counselor about your options and access to computers and discuss how we can help achieve your goals.

Of course, you can also choose to spend some of your downtime relaxing in any of the spacious outdoor lounging areas or enjoy a coffee or a snack at our 24-hour café.

Our goal is to ensure that you’re always comfortable and safe the entire time you’re in rehab. But we also want to be sure you have access to all the amenities and facilities you need to start enjoying your new sober lifestyle to the fullest.

Why Choose WhiteSands?

When you choose WhiteSands to begin your recovery journey, you’re choosing to enter into Florida’s number 1 addiction treatment center. The entire team at WhiteSands is dedicated to your healthy recovery. We offer more onsite medical staff than most other rehab centers in Florida, so you can be confident we’re available to monitor your vitals, manage your ongoing medication needs and ensure your safety at all times.

Our luxurious residential treatment center in Fort Myers is set amid 10 acres of lush, tropical landscape. The grounds are surrounded by palm trees and feature cobblestone pathways that intersect with a gazebo. There are also various water fountains and running streams on the grounds, creating tranquil areas that are ideal for reflection or meditation.

By the time you’re ready to leave rehab, our hope is that you’re well-armed with a variety of recovery skills and resources so you can continue your recovery with confidence.

Completing a comprehensive rehab treatment program is a significant achievement. However, just because you leave rehab doesn’t mean our support ends there. We continue to provide ongoing support and guidance for as long as you need us.

We ensure you have access to our aftercare program so we can continue to support you through your recovery. You’ll have access to local group meetings and counseling services near home in Fort Myers. If you want to continue participating in any alternative therapies you may have found helpful throughout your treatment, we’ll work with you to locate nearby services that you can use.

You’re also invited to participate in our Alumni Program. We host regular social events and activities for our alumni, which provide excellent opportunities to develop new social connections and enjoy different leisure activities too.

If you’re ready to begin your healthy recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, call WhiteSands today. We’re here to support you throughout every stage of your recovery and we’ll still be here to offer any support you need long into the future. The first step to your sober lifestyle is just a phone call away.

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab can help you make a full recovery from your drug or alcohol addiction. When individuals call (941) 200-1298 and speak to a WhiteSands, they will be guided through an initial screening then given instructions on the next steps to begin the admission process. Call now to speak with an intake specialist and begin the process of healing your life today.

Over 300 Google Verified Reviews

Rebecca Kutsor

5 days ago

“This treatment center is absolutely amazing. I have never felt so safe and loved during such a scary time. The counselors are well versed and very engaged. The accommodations are immaculate and private. The staff are caring and courteous. All of your needs will be met.”

Robert Vannata

5 days ago

“Amazing staff, therapists, and doctors. Accommodations are great... Nice rooms, catered food, vollyball, massage, biofeedback, chiropractor, basketball, beach and more. Definitely saved my life!!!”

Anthony Moniz

a month ago

“I wanted to stop my habit for a very long time trying on my own never worked I needed help and would never accept it. I finally had enough and gave in to acceptance and looked for help. I found WhiteSands and watched one of the videos they had of a guy around my same age talking about his story and how he found help from WhiteSands. It gave me hope so I ended up calling them and I was there that night. White Sands was a life changer the therapist to the staff all of them played a part in helping me find myself. I’m forever grateful! I’d be dead or in prison if I didn’t get the help I needed. If you read this review your life is worth living. Give yourself a chance to change.”

Kenneth Kaser

a month ago

“White Sands is a phenomenal rehab for alcohol and substance abuse addiction. Staff is great! Food is great! They take you on outings, provide chiropractor's, and have a medical staff on clock 24/7. If you're tired and want to give up the fight, then White Sands is the only place I recommend anyone to start! Thank you White Sands!”

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WhiteSands Wiki

What is the WhiteSands Wiki and how to use it

Click the top right-hand arrow to expand the drop-down menu and select the title of any section to learn more.

Scroll through the different clickable sections on the left-hand side to learn more about our offerings.

The WhiteSands ‘Wiki’ defines, expands, and details the many different aspects of our facility. Each section will allow you the chance to learn more about our treatment center and everything that we offer, from amenities and property overview to treatment modalities, tools for recovery, and aftercare assistance. We understand that extensive research is required when deciding on a treatment center which is why we provide an in-depth and detailed overview of our facility and its features.

Types of Treatment Offered / Recommended

We offer a full continuum of treatment options ranging from medically assisted detox and inpatient treatment services to dual diagnosis and aftercare programs. By offering a continuity of care to patients, we are able to not only monitor their progress and wellbeing throughout the recovery process but also work to foster trusting relationships with our clients which aid in the overall journey toward sobriety.

The evidence-based drug and alcohol addiction programs that we offer have proven to help individuals not only reach sobriety but maintain it. We are pioneers in substance abuse and addiction recovery and take a leading approach that consistently evolves with the advent of advanced treatment modalities. We promise to provide each patient with the best chance to obtain long-lasting recovery from addiction and work with them even after treatment has been completed. We do this by ensuring that patients have support groups and sponsors available near them to maintain their abstinence from drug and alcohol abuse.

Rehabilitation programs focus on providing pharmacological tools, counseling and therapy, and educational resources that are designed for patients' success in recovery. Each patient that has completed their treatment program is invited to join our Alumni where they can continue to learn vital coping skills that aid in long-term sobriety.

Some of the comprehensive treatment programs we offer are:

Medically Assisted Detox
WhiteSands Treatment Clinical
Inpatient Treatment Made Comfortable
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Intensive Outpatient Drug Treatment (IOP)
Alternative Drug Rehab Programs
Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Program
SMART Recovery
Alumni

Our specialists are available 24/7; call today to speak with a team member to determine what sort of treatment program is right for you at (239) 237-5473. If you are unsure of what type of treatment you require, we have specialists on board who will meet with you to conduct a thorough assessment in order to determine which treatment modality is right for you.

MEDICALLY-ASSISTED DRUG DETOX

The Detoxification and Inpatient treatment programs at WhiteSands Treatment Center provide services to individuals suffering from alcoholism and/or other forms of chemical dependency and/or abuse. The detoxification program provides patients with safe medical detoxification by monitoring and stabilizing withdrawal risks, bio-medical conditions and complications. The rehabilitation program follows the detoxification program and provides patients with therapeutic interventions, focused on developing and maintaining a healthy recovery from alcoholism and other chemical dependencies.

Whether you are suffering from alcoholism, struggling with a dependence on prescription medication or addicted to an illegal drug like crystal meth, WhiteSands Treatment can offer you a carefully-designed and highly effective program that will facilitate your recovery. Many of our patients need to go through a period of detoxification at the time of admission, and you may be wondering whether this is necessary in your case, and maybe confused about exactly what it will involve.

What is inpatient medical detox?

It is a common misconception that the best way of dealing with addiction is to go ‘cold turkey’; in fact, abruptly stopping a drug is likely to lead to relapse, and could even be dangerous. Inpatient medical detox is a process during which addiction is dealt with by gradually reducing drug dosage. Some of the most common addictions requiring inpatient detox include alcohol, drugs such as MDMA, cocaine, crystal meth, opiate painkillers, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. Those who consent to undergo inpatient detox for dependence on any of these drugs will dramatically increase their chances of recovery, thanks to the close supervision of medical experts.

At WhiteSands, we have a team of board-certified doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and counselors at our disposal, and a number of these staff members will design and oversee the detox process while providing constant support that helps to preserve your comfort and dignity. Detox begins with a careful assessment of your dependence and an in-depth physical examination that accurately measures the extent of your addiction. We will discuss our findings with you after this, and recommend a precise treatment plan. You can rest assured that we will also let you know exactly what to expect from your treatment and that you will be safe in our hands; we are highly experienced in dealing with physical dependence on drugs and alcohol in a compassionate, gentle way.

Why choose inpatient medical detox?

There are several major advantages to choosing to tackle substance abuse in this way. For one thing, our staff members have received extensive, up-to-date training that allows them to know exactly how and when to reduce the dosage of a drug of abuse in order to minimize the discomfort experienced by patients. Studies show that those who try to stop taking a drug without the help of such medical professionals are much more likely to relapse, mainly because the withdrawal symptoms can be painful and very difficult to handle.

In addition, safety is one of the most significant reasons why we strongly recommend inpatient detox for anyone with a serious addiction problem. Abruptly stopping your intake of certain drugs can be fatal; for example, even alcohol dependence can lead to cardiac arrest if you suddenly stop drinking. You are less likely to experience dangerous complications if you are under supervision while being weaned off drugs or alcohol, and if there are any warning signs of complications during the detox process, then we will immediately notice the signs and compensate for them in order to make you more comfortable. We closely monitor everyone in our treatment center at all times, and we can quickly administer necessary medications to deal with unpleasant physical or mental aspects of detox.

Medication Management

Patients in the detoxification stage of recovery may require medications to assist them in the management of withdrawal symptoms. This includes opioid detoxification, which we are capable of providing, and in addition to that, some patients may need to take medications relating to medical problems on an ongoing basis, while they are participating in both Detoxification and/or the Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs. Medication management is achieved by ongoing assessment by the Medical Director and follow-up by the nursing staff to provide the proper medications to the patients as deemed appropriate to address their medical needs.

What comes after inpatient medical detox?

Although inpatient medical detox is a major step in the rehabilitation process, it is not the end of your recovery. Alcoholics and drug addicts who only submit to detoxification and then stop their treatment will typically show patterns of future abuse. We believe that a customized treatment program involving cognitive behavioral therapy is a vital next step towards recovery, and we offer both individual and group therapy. Our goal is to follow detox by equipping you with the self-awareness and the skills that will help you to understand why you became an addict in the first place and to reduce the chances that you will ever relapse. We also provide family programs that aim at strengthening the bonds that you have with your loved ones by helping them to understand the nature of addiction and helping you to resolve negative feelings that may have emerged during the height of your substance abuse.

Are you ready to end the painful and destructive cycle of substance abuse? At WhiteSands Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we offer highly customizable detox programs that are designed to suit the particular drug of abuse. For example, if you are addicted to crystal meth, then inpatient medical detox will be vital to your rehabilitation. However, if you are addicted to a prescription painkiller, then your treatment may be more focused on therapy to combat psychological dependence.

Detox can be conducted on an inpatient or outpatient basis, but we generally recommend inpatient treatment due to the fact that it is more likely to lead to long-term recovery. Regardless of the program to which you are admitted, our board-certified doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists will work to ensure your safety and facilitate your recovery by managing withdrawal symptoms and constantly monitoring your progress in a safe, comfortable environment. By undergoing both detox and therapy, you can expect to notice profound changes in your physical and mental health, and you will leave WhiteSands with the skills to resist relapsing in the future. We also offer family programs that create a deeper understanding of the nature of addiction and help to mend damaged relationships.

Medical Detoxification Program Goals Are:

Monitor, decrease and stabilize withdrawal symptoms
Educate patients on the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol
Assess and treat emotional and behavioral complications exacerbated by the use of alcohol and illicit drugs
Assist patients in developing an aftercare treatment plan so that they can maintain abstinence in a less restrictive level of care

You deserve to be free from the devastating cycles of drug and alcohol addiction. Call (239) 237-5473 to talk to our team of alcohol and drug treatment specialists about why WhiteSands is the perfect place to recover.

WHITESANDS TREATMENT CLINICAL

Medically assisted detoxification using controlled medications to both ease your withdrawal symptoms and ensure you get a good night’s sleep
We treat the underlying issues that led you to addiction, not just the addiction
A higher ratio of therapists to patients, with group sizes averaging from 10-15, which allows for more individual attention
Multiple group options throughout the day. Not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach
You will also have individual sessions with your assigned primary therapist a minimum of twice per week

Inpatient Treatment Made Comfortable

At WhiteSands Treatment we take a different and less institutional approach to addiction recovery. We understand that it is hard enough to seek help which is why we make the utmost effort to ensure that you are comfortable throughout inpatient treatment. We realize that individuals focus better in therapy when it is not a game of survivor.

We pride ourselves in ensuring that patients are comfortable throughout their time in inpatient treatment. We do this by providing luxurious accommodations that feature a queen-sized bed, flat-screen TV in every room, a private bathroom, and a lenient policy on cellphone and electronics use after treatment hours. By providing a home-like environment, patients feel more relaxed and at ease during a time of change, challenge, and determination.

While we focus heavily on providing the highest quality treatment, care, and support to all patients, we put equal amounts of time and attention into making sure our amenities and accommodations exceed our personal standards as well as the standards of our clients. We are consistently working to raise the bar to provide the best treatment possible coupled with premier amenities and accommodations for our guests.

Knowing which treatment modality is right for you can be overwhelming which is why WhiteSands Treatment provides consistent support to all patients, from the initial evaluation and admittance process to discharge and aftercare. By determining your unique rehab goals, whether that is identifying and overcoming an underlying mental health issue or diagnosing any sort of medical maladies, our compassionate addiction specialists are here to help you through each phase of recovery.

INPATIENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL REHAB

Our inpatient rehab program is ideal for patients who have already been through an inpatient medical detox process. This program also suits patients for whom such a detox was deemed unnecessary.

What can be expected from inpatient rehab at WhiteSands?

Our extensive experience in treating drug addiction and alcoholism has demonstrated that certain medications can be vital in helping some patients attain mental and physical stability. Specifically, we may choose to administer drugs that reduce the cravings associated with abstaining from substance abuse, thereby making your recovery more comfortable and also reducing your chances of relapsing. For example, if you are addicted to prescription painkillers (such as codeine or oxycodone) then medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone can diminish typical withdrawal symptoms. After this type of treatment, you are likely to be more responsive to the programs of therapy that we provide.

When it comes to psychological treatments, we tailor our therapy programs to the individual needs of our patients. We equip you with the skills you will need to cope with life’s stresses, without turning to substance abuse in the future. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, you will also gain a better understanding of why you developed a problem with drugs or alcohol in the first place. We also offer family programs that have a therapy component. These programs are geared toward mending damaged relationships, healing bonds and teaching your loved ones about the highly complex nature of addiction.

Why is inpatient rehabilitation highly recommended?

While many patients are understandably wary of undertaking the intimidating commitment of entering an inpatient rehabilitation program, we believe it is the smartest and most successful way to recover from addiction. What you experience and learn during a short stay in our drug treatment center could prevent you from ever having to return to rehabilitation.

Studies on recovery from addiction show that patients who are admitted to an inpatient medical detox program but refuse to undergo any further treatment, are almost as likely to return to substance abuse. True rehabilitation requires careful, long-term treatment, and that is what our inpatient rehabilitation programs can provide. In a comfortable and relaxing setting, you will receive constant physical and emotional support from our medical team and from fellow members of the WhiteSands community.

Many patients continue to struggle with difficult medical and psychological issues after the detox process is complete, and our inpatient rehabilitation program allows us to monitor your condition and helps to reduce ongoing problems. For example, a member of our psychiatric or counseling team will always be on hand to talk to you if you are feeling distraught, and we may provide you with the aforementioned medications that can reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms when physical discomfort becomes too difficult to tolerate.

What comes after inpatient rehabilitation?

As you are getting closer to completing the program, you will be assessed once again. At this point, we are happy to help you make a smooth transition back into society by finding a place for you in our sober living community or locating a support group in your area. The goal of such programs is to help you to make a smooth, gradual transition back to independent living. You will be monitored, but you will have more autonomy and freedom than is typically experienced in inpatient programs. You can begin to return to the work and engage in family and social commitments that used to be at the center of your life. Additionally, you will continue to form meaningful, long-lasting bonds with people who have been through similar experiences, and these types of mutually supportive bonds can help to ensure that your recovery is permanent.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Goals are:

Develop methods of coping to continue to maintain abstinence and psychiatric/behavioral stabilization
Teach patients relapse prevention strategies and skills to decrease and/or eliminate the cycle of detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation
Provide patients with methods of coping strategies and skills to deal with unresolved grief, depression and anger issues that may contribute to the patient’s psychiatric/behavioral compensation
Assist patients to develop aftercare treatment plans so that they can function effectively in a less restrictive level of care

If you or someone you love needs inpatient rehabilitation, contact us today at (239) 237-5473 to find out more about our programs. All conversations are entirely confidential, and our team of experts is more than happy to answer any questions you might have. You deserve to be free from the devastating cycles of drug and alcohol addiction. Call (239) 237-5473 to talk to our team of alcohol and drug treatment specialists about why WhiteSands Treatment is the perfect place to recover.

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT DRUG TREATMENT

Drug or alcohol addiction can lead to physical, psychological, and emotional damage. While many people struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction will need to be admitted to an inpatient treatment program in order to recover, intensive outpatient rehabilitation can also be highly effective for recovery in certain cases. By moving from inpatient treatment to intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment, you will have the opportunity to gradually transition to being an active, healthy member of society once again. We offer such programs for those struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, and we can also help those with a dual diagnosis to overcome their addiction and manage an accompanying mental health issue. You might be wondering, “Where can I find an outpatient drug rehab near me?” But what you should be asking is, “Where can I find an outpatient rehab with high-quality, customized programs that will give me the best chances of success?” The answer to that question is WhiteSands Treatment Center.

What does intensive outpatient treatment involve?

We tailor our outpatient alcohol rehab and detox programs according to the specific needs of each patient based on age, health, history, and other considerations, so we offer treatment programs of varying intensity. However, all of these programs will involve regular visits to the treatment center (often three days a week) and include frequent and in-depth cognitive behavioral therapy. After spending full days in our private rehab facility, you will be able to return home in the evenings. Many of the people in our outpatient programs take part after their therapist has recommended stepping down from inpatient rehab or a partial hospitalization program.

During your time at the treatment center, our professional team of board-certified doctors, educators, nurses, psychiatrists, and counselors will closely monitor your physical and psychological progress, so your treatment program will be continually customized as necessary. In individualized therapy, you will explore the underlying reasons for your substance abuse and learn new coping mechanisms that will reduce the risk of future relapse. Meanwhile, the group therapy program will give you a chance to share stories with other peers who have been through similar experiences, and you will benefit from their wisdom and experience. The bonds formed with other patients in the treatment facility can provide motivation to succeed in rehab and will continue to encourage you to work toward recovery once you leave the treatment center as well.

Assessment and screenings?

Why do we fall prey to drug addiction? Many factors can come into play. At WhiteSands, we will carefully assess your individual situation before making a joint decision about whether you are likely to recover in the context of an outpatient program. Some people may struggle in this type of setting, even if they have been making good progress, and may need to receive inpatient treatment for a while longer. For example, if ongoing problems at home or at work represent a significant part of the reason why you were attracted to substance abuse in the first place, continuing to deal with these triggers while you are away from the drug treatment center may harm you and delay your rehabilitation. The same is true if you might find it hard to stay away from a social group of fellow addicts who do not share your desire to live a sober, healthy life. If you do seem like a good fit for our outpatient programs, you can expect random drug screenings during your treatment. This applies to all of our patients; we want to ensure that all members of the WhiteSands community are continuing to be honest and forthright about their progress.

What are some of the benefits of intensive outpatient treatment?

There are many reasons why particular patients might prefer the option of intensive outpatient treatment. Firstly, there is the matter of cost. Living in a drug treatment center in order to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation program is more expensive than visiting the same center on an outpatient basis. Secondly, outpatient alcohol treatment or drug abuse treatment gives you the opportunity to continue with many aspects of your regular life while working toward becoming sober. You may be able to uphold work responsibilities, you will be able to see your family, and if you are studying to obtain a degree, then this is still achievable while you are in an outpatient program. Thirdly, being able to see family members and close friends can go a long way toward providing you with valuable support during recovery that helps to prevent relapses. Indeed, you can continue to get this type of support while also benefiting from being a part of the close community at WhiteSands, allowing you to have the best of both worlds.

Once you are ready to leave the intensive outpatient program behind, we will help to find support groups in your community and aid you in finding a local therapist. People who leave our intensive outpatient program will be endowed with the types of decision-making skills required to continue to maintain sobriety, and they will receive continued contact from WhiteSands. We are interested in the happiness and well-being of our community members long after they leave the treatment center.

Where Can I Find Outpatient Rehab Near Me?

You deserve to be free from the devastating cycles of drug and alcohol addiction. Do you find yourself or a loved one asking, “How can I find outpatient drug rehab near me?” If so, make the right choice: Call (239) 237-5473 or fill out the form here to talk to our team of alcohol and drug treatment professionals about why WhiteSands is the perfect place to get help from a safe, cost-effective, high-quality outpatient rehab program.

ALTERNATIVE DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS

Alternative treatment programs for drug addiction describes an array of healing modalities other than traditional Western medicine and therapies. Advancements in technology have expanded research parameters that facilitate a greater understanding for different types of alternative addiction treatment.

In some cases, modern scientists have been able to validate the effectiveness of some of these alternative remedies that for centuries has been used to address the symptoms of addiction in different cultures. And, in the last few decades, the holistic approach to addiction treatment that integrates traditional and alternative remedies has been shown to significantly reduce criminal inclination.

The basis for the incorporation of various types of alternative addiction treatment into the rehabilitation process is to provide a wider spectrum of treatment tools to address the myriad of effects that are produced by chronic substance abuse. The holistic approach to addiction treatment achieves this objective through cohesive and comprehensive treatment regimens that can be personalized for a greater number of patients. Another benefit of the holistic approach to addiction treatment is that it veers from the one-size-fits-all drug rehabilitation procedures of the past.

Types of Alternative Addiction Treatment for Drug Addiction

There are many different alternative treatment programs for drug addiction that are available today. Nutritional therapy, exercise, yoga, meditation and biofeedback are some of the most popular with addiction treatment professionals and patients. In fact, for some patients, they are considered to be essential components of their recovery process. Other alternative addiction treatment models that are singularly recognized for their contribution to drug rehabilitation include:

Art Therapy

Art Therapy has been gaining inroads as an effective alternative addiction therapy for the treatment of addiction. Through a process of artistic self-expression, patients are encouraged to explore deep-seated emotional issues that drive addiction and produce symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicide ideation to name a few.

Art therapists employ a variety of techniques that are designed to reinforce self-nurturance and reduce emotional imbalances. Margaret Naumburg, renowned educator and psychologist was one of the first in her field to define art therapy as a distinct form of psychotherapy in the 1940s. In the Art Therapy Sourcebook, Research Psychologist Cathy Malchiodi describes it as a “modality for self-understanding, emotional change, and personal growth.”

Yoga

Yoga is a form of exercise that helps to promote spirituality and a sense of calm, relaxation, and tranquility within the body, mind, and spirit. WhiteSands Treatment employs yoga therapy as an alternative form of addiction recovery and healing. We believe that yoga is a fantastic form of exercise that helps to promote a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of life.

Our certified yoga instructors teach participants certain breathing exercises that can have a significant effect on helping them to concentrate on channeling negative thoughts, worries, or fears that they are susceptible to once they’ve begun to embark on their road to recovery. Yoga helps to address side effects associated with substance abuse and addiction, such as anger, irritability, aggression, depression, tiredness, anxiety, impulsivity, etc.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care is a treatment that involves the manual adjustment or stimulation of the spine, joints, and muscles. It helps with pain management, in which our chiropractors apply pressure to the individuals’ painful areas.

Addiction can often lead to painful withdrawal symptoms and as a result, the threat of relapse is always present. This treatment method helps to ease these symptoms, along with any of preexisting pain that may have contributed to the individual's past drug use.

Alternative treatment programs for drug addiction include various other healthcare practices and therapies that utilize components of Ayurveda medicine, chiropractic services, energy medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as faith-based recovery tools.

In addition to increased scientific evaluation, the effectiveness of alternative addiction treatments are supported by empirical research and testimonies from patients that have experienced firsthand, their effectiveness through attending our alternative treatment programs for drug addiction here at WhiteSands Treatment.

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Program

We have several outpatient offices located throughout Florida where patients partake in relapse prevention and after programming. Once inpatient treatment has been successfully completed, patients are encouraged to attend these constructive programs that help teach imperative coping mechanisms and trigger management skills.

We also offer an Alumni program for those who have completed their inpatient treatment program. Our Tampa Alumni Program encourages members to carry on in their life of sobriety. Life after addiction is a major adjustment for many which are why our alumni services work to continually motivate and support recovering addicts to continue in the positive direction they are going.

All Alumni are welcome to partake in ongoing meetings, events, and outings as part of the ongoing recovery process of addiction. Our experienced counselors will provide you with valuable guidance as a way to promote wellness while connecting over stories of strength and hope.

Returning home after your time in addiction treatment can be a hard transition. Let us help you by guiding you on the right path in re-navigating your life.

Call WhiteSands Treatment today at (239) 237-5473 to learn more about the Alumni Program and how to join.

Smart Recovery

Recovering from an addiction is a life-long commitment; it takes long-term dedication and maintenance. It is easy for a patient to fall back into the same dangerous patterns after rehabilitation if they do not remain mindful of their recovery process. Anyone in recovery can fall victim to addiction again, even after years of sobriety. Therefore, it is necessary for each individual to find a way to properly manage their cravings. White Sands Treatment Center provides a variety of programs that give patients access to the knowledge and tools required for life-long success as long as one stays motivated. SMART recovery is a relatively new program that our center utilizes, as it has been proven to deliver positive results.

The Self-Management and Recovery Training program takes a logical, scientific, non-confrontational and motivational approach to maintaining sobriety. Patients who participate in SMART recovery will learn in a highly supportive environment and study methods of recovery that come from evidence-based research. Abstinence from substance abuse is sustained through this innovative and interactive program. Recovery is a constantly evolving process and SMART recovery programs grow with each patient, as they gain more confidence, knowledge, and headway.

SMART Recovery Tools

This 4-point program is a self-empowering support system; primary tools focus on facilitating each patient’s growth through self-management skills, which are tailored to help addicts maintain sobriety from many forms of addictive behavior. Some of these behaviors include alcoholism, prescription, and illicit drug abuse, sexual addictions, eating disorders, and gambling. WhiteSands Treatment Center employs the latest remedial procedures, based on current scientific research and interaction with the community outside of rehabilitation. Our 4-Point Program offers tools for each specific program point. These points include:

Building/Maintaining Motivation
Coping with Cravings and Urges
Management of Feelings, Thoughts, and Behaviors
Living a Balanced Life

Patients are encouraged to practice each tool, as well as learn how each one can help them progress towards point 4 of the program. The face-to-face SMART recovery meetings offered at White Sands consist of in-depth discussions regarding ways in which to apply the various SMART tools in a practical manner. These discussions may include tools such as:

Stages of Change
The Change Plan Worksheet
Cost/Benefit Analysis
The Hierarchy of Values
The ABCs of Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)
REBT for Urge Coping
REBT for Emotional Upsets
Destructive Images and Self-Talk Awareness and Refusal Method
Brainstorming
Role-playing
Unconditional Self-Acceptance

SMART recovery methods help addicts find independence from addiction through programs centered around scientific knowledge, as opposed to more spiritually based programs. Although SMART recovery may differ from programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, 12-step programs or other self-empowering groups, it does not necessarily exclude them. In our SMART recovery programs, we believe that each individual finds their own path to recovery and here at White Sands, we can help them construct this path. Through self-management and recovery training, achieving lifestyle balance is possible.

Balance your life at WhiteSands Treatment Center. We can help you start fresh and find the support necessary to maintain sobriety through the SMART Recovery program. Take the first step and call us now (239) 237-5473.

Insurance We Accept / Rates / Costs

The cost of treatment will depend on several factors such as the level of care you receive, the length of time you will be spending at WhiteSands, and the type of medical insurance that you have.

Our specialists can assist you in determining your eligibility for our inpatient addiction treatment program. Simply provide us with some detailed information about your health coverage plan by giving one of our treatment specialists a call at (239) 237-5473.

We accept most major insurance plans at our drug rehab in Florida. Our professional staff work with you to ensure that all of your questions as they relate to admittance and treatment are answered. We are dedicated to providing the best care possible to all patients and are here to help you throughout each step of recovery.

A Typical Day at WhiteSands Treatment

Our inpatient treatment program is highly-structured and tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Guests will partake in daily treatment, therapy, and counseling sessions where they will have the chance to open up about their struggles while having the support and care to work through and overcome them. The inpatient program offered at WhiteSands works to stabilize the patient on a physical, emotional, and psychological level so that their recovery goals can be met.

Individuals will be allotted free time every day where they can enjoy many of the sought-after amenities offered directly on the facility grounds. Patients will also enjoy off-site activities as well such as BBQ cookouts and trips to the beach where they have the chance to meet and mingle with others while enjoying time outside of the treatment environment.

Addiction is a complex disease that can be effectively managed with specialized treatment. Each patient who attends WhiteSands will be provided with an individualized itinerary on a daily basis which outlines what their day includes.

Here are the various itineraries for a typical day in treatment depending on what sort of treatment program you are in:

Medically Assisted Detox (Days 1 - 7) - Tampa

Patients are seen by a Board Certified Psychiatrist for a full psychiatric evaluation within 24 hours of admission
For days 1 - 7, patients will wake up at 6 a.m. and have their vitals checked
Patients are seen by a medical provider daily during detox where they will be administered substitute drugs in order to safely and effectively wean them off of the substance of abuse
Nursing units are open and available 24 hours a day, with a minimum of 3-4 nurses on the property at a time. Guests will have full access to the spa and gym during detox
Patients will be seen a minimum of once per week for follow-up on psychiatric care and medication management after detox has been complete
Once patients complete medical detox on day 7, they will begin in their treatment program

Residential (Days 7 - 24) - Tampa

Patients will wake up at 7 a.m. and enjoy a catered breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. that includes multiple food options
Group therapy, treatment, and counseling take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily with a break for lunch at 12 p.m.
Patients can enjoy recreation time from 3:45 p.m. until dinner at 5 p.m. and then again until 7 p.m.
Nightly 12-Step Meetings begin at 7 p.m. followed by wrap up at 8 p.m.
Once patients earn privileges (as long as they are going to a group), they will have access to their cell phone from 6:30 p.m. - 10: 30 p.m.
Curfew is at 10:30 p.m. and patients must be in their private room at this time unless permission is given by clinical staff
There are scheduled offsite outings (beach, bowling, movies) multiple times per week

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) - (Day 24 and beyond) - Fort Myers

During this level of care, wake up is at 7 a.m. at which time patients will prepare their own breakfast and get ready for the day. Lunch is provided by WhiteSands on program days
Programming/Group/Individual sessions are provided from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 6 days per week. Patients get Sunday’s off which are reserved for grocery shopping so that food can be purchased for the week
5 types of groups are offered in PHP plus individual sessions, psychiatric visits, medical follow-ups, and meetings with the discharge coordinator
Patients have access to amenities such as the gym, pool, and other recreational activities from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (prepare dinner during that time)
Patients are then taken to an offsite AA/NA/CA meeting nightly
Scheduled sober offsite outings and recreation take place multiple times per week (bowling, grocery shopping, beach)

Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - (Day 24 and beyond) - Fort Myers

Attend 3 hours of groups (process and psychoeducational), 3 times per week plus individual sessions
Morning Sessions are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Evening Sessions are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Interview With CEO, Gary Jonas

Q: You were operating a successful marketing company, what made you decide to get into the rehab industry?

A: Mike Tyson and I were partners in Iron Mike Productions, which was a boxing promotion agency. Throughout the time spent with Mike, he would often speak about his battles with addiction and substance abuse and the struggles he faced both in and out of the ring. Hearing his struggles made me think, ‘what could we do to help others who are struggling with addiction and substance abuse?’ We then came together to form ‘KO Addiction’; an organization that raises awareness about the growing drug epidemic in the United States. During boxing events, KO Addiction would promote sobriety and provide resources and access to help for those who needed it.

An employee at the marketing company that I had at the time, Joe Ducey, would also speak about his history of addiction and his experiences at different rehab centers. Hearing Mike and Joe’s substance abuse stories resonated with me and I began to realize that substance abuse was extremely prevalent. Joe expressed a significant interest in helping people get into treatment and felt that facilities that truly cared about patients' recovery were lacking. He came up to me one day and asked, ‘why don’t we open up a treatment center’? He knew that the treatment facility sector could use us and with my marketing background and Joe’s history of addiction treatment at various facilities, we knew that we had a great opportunity to succeed.

I sent Joe on a 60-day mission to research what the best treatment centers across Florida offer. If we were going to get into the treatment industry, we were going into it by striving to be the best, offer the best, and raise the bar as it relates to providing the highest quality of treatment to patients without compromise.

Q: How did you turn that idea into the successful treatment center that WhiteSands is today?

A: What it boiled down to was execution: something needed to be done in the addiction treatment industry to make it better and we wanted to be the ones to make it happen. My previous internet marketing experience had its advantages and it gave us an upper hand once the ball got rolling on our idea to create a treatment center that was better than the rest. We were able to hire the best medical and clinical staff without ever sacrificing treatment and the quality of care our patients received. We are successful because we keep the business side of things separate from the medical and clinical side, making us a cut above the rest.

Q: What were some of the things that went into WhiteSands being a premier treatment center?

A: We consistently address our philosophy which is, ‘not cramming in guests like sardines’. We understand that it is hard enough to ask for help and to seek treatment; the last thing we wanted to do was send patients to an overcrowded, crammed facility that strips them of their privacy and space. We make treatment easier and less challenging by providing a campus-style facility for patients during their stay. The large tranquil grounds allow patients to recharge and feel relaxed at the end of the day so that they are mentally and physically rested and prepared to take on their next day in treatment. By providing recreational activities, gazebos, walking paths, and a host of amenities for guests to enjoy, they have a better chance of obtaining long-lasting recovery. We do not make treatment an episode of survivor where, over time, your mental and physical condition worsens. We make sure that guests get better over their course of time in treatment.

Q: What’s the future for WhiteSands?

A: We have opened several office locations throughout Florida such as assessment offices where patients can walk in and meet with an addiction specialist who can help guide them toward recovery. We have also opened several outpatient offices. Once patients have completed their inpatient treatment, they will be sent back to their hometowns where they can meet with a therapist at one of our outpatient office locations so that they can continue to get the help and support needed to sustain their sobriety.

Meet Our Staff

WhiteSands Treatment employs the highest qualified therapists, clinicians, and counselors who demonstrate a combination of credentials and experience in the addiction and recovery field. Our compassionate team works to provide clients with the resources, tools, and support necessary to reach sustained sobriety.

Dr. S. Mann, M.D., Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Mann currently serves as the Medical Director of WhiteSands Treatment and has held that position since July 2017. Dr. Mann is responsible for the medical needs and detoxification of patients who attend WhiteSands.

Before joining WhiteSands, Dr. Mann worked in addiction treatment facilities throughout Florida. He served as an Adjunct Clinical Post-Doctoral Associate in the Addiction Medicine Division at the University of Florida where he enjoyed teaching medical students and medical school graduates during their residency training. He has also practiced Addiction Medicine in the private sector and served as both the Medical Director and Associate Medical Director at other substance abuse treatment centers. He currently enjoys both clinical duties and oversight roles as Medical Director at WhiteSands.

Dr. Mann graduated with honors from Indiana University, where he earned both his Medical Degree and a degree in chemistry. He completed his internship at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital before completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL. He later studied addiction counseling in Denver, Colorado and he completed an Addiction Medicine Fellowship in the Psychiatry Department at the University of Florida. Dr. Mann is Board Certified in his field.

Dr. Leslie Killie, Clinical Director

Dr. L Kille LCSW has twenty years of experience in leadership within residential, community-based, and day treatment programs, inclusive of working with populations from cradle to the baby boomer population who are facing challenging co-occurring issues. This includes the creation and implementation of federal, State and local grants, policy and procedure program start-ups and mergers, and twenty-plus years of teaching in both traditional classroom and online formats. Her expertise and commitment to excellence set the stage for WhiteSands patients to receive an evidence-based wraparound group, individual and family therapeutic interventions, and support.

Natalie Honza, R.N., Director of Nursing

Natalie is an ANCC board-certified ARNP with an extensive clinical background including addiction recovery. Natalie also has taught nursing at local community colleges as well as at the university level. Natalie has a passion for addiction recovery and believes that all people have the capacity to overcome any obstacle with the correct tools and support.

Our Latest DCF Score and Report

We uphold to the highest standards of care, treatment, and support, which are reflected by our DCF score. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is a state agency of Florida and works to ensure that all families have access to the highest quality of services available. WhiteSands Treatment possess the seal of authenticity that shows adherence to ethics and procedures required by an accredited provider.

Our Most Recent Scores:

Detox/Res Tampa: 98%
Tampa Outpatient Offices: 100%
PHP/IOP Fort Myers: 100%

WhiteSands Compared to Average Facility

Not all treatment centers are the same. Take a look at how WhiteSands Treatment fares to the typical, standard treatment center.

WhiteSands Treatment	Average Facility
Low Patient-to-Therapist Ratio	Most facilities only offer large group meetings with limited access to one-on-one counseling and therapy
Full-Time Medical Director and Psychologist On-Site	Other facilities will often have a part-time medical specialist and will not always have an office onsite
Individualized Dual Diagnosis Treatment	The majority of facilities do not personalize and tailor their treatment modalities to each patient and resort to a 'one-size-fits-all' standardized treatment plan
Medical Detox Onsite	Generally, facilities refer detox to a partner, then brings the client back for their stay
Biofeedback	Most facilities offer basic, non-progressive or personalized treatment modalities
Variety of Groups	Other centers only offer single or limited types of therapy that do not conform to the unique needs of patients
Aftercare / Continuum of Care	Most facilities do not offer as many aftercare and relapse prevention options as we do
Private Rooms	Other facilities may not offer private room options to their guests
Cellphones & Laptops Allowed	Having this feature is very expensive to manage which is why most facilities do not offer this, but we go the extra mile to ensure that our guests have access to their personal electronic devices after treatment hours
10-Acre Campus	The majority of facilities are often confined, hospital-style buildings converted into a facility that has a sterile feeling and no room for amenities
Amenities	Most centers do not offer the extensive amenities and activities that WhiteSands does, or does not offer amenities at all
Spa Services	An average facility may only offer one spa service. This unique feature is rarely or never offered in a treatment facility setting
Smoking and Vaping Areas	Some facilities limit vaping, some limit smoking, and some limit both

TOOLS FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY

Start your journey to recovery at our Florida rehab center using these essential tools.

Intervention Guide

Our intervention guide is here

Click to Download

7:00am - 8:00am	Vitals are checked, meds are prescribed (if needed) and enjoy a hot breakfast
8:30am – 9:00am	Simple community meeting to start your day
9:15am – 11:00am	Group meeting with Primary therapist
11:15am – 12:00pm	Variety of group meetings to choose from
12:00pm – 1:00pm	Lunch
1:15pm – 2:45pm	Variety of group meetings to choose from
3:00pm – 3:45pm	Self-improvement workshop therapy
4:00pm - 11:00pm	Once mandatory therapy is over for the day, you are no longer a patient; you are now a guest. At this time, guests can enjoy on-site amenities including the rec. center and athletic complex.
6:00pm - 8:00pm	BBQ dinner is served (other dining options available)

Addiction is not a disease, we are all addicts

Replacing bad habits/addictions with healthy habits/addictions

A comfortable guest makes for a successful patient

Success rates and how we define success. We have hundreds of patients in long-term recovery

Why our treatment services yield better results

Typical day at WhiteSands Treatment

Program schedules

Our detox residential facility 20 miles east of Tampa

Rec. Center and Cafe

Athletic Complex

Our Hyde Park (central Tampa) location, Day-night/IOP levels of care (transitioning)

Our Fort Myers residential campus, offering all levels-of-care

Our 17 outpatient locations

Licensed IOP/OP

Licensed OP

Overview

Accomodations, activities, amenities

Private rooms - Peace of mind

Cell phones/devices allowed - Staying in touch

10-acre campus - Room to breathe

Brand new recreation center - Pass the time

Newly constructed athletic complex - More to do

Fitness programs and personal training - Get in shape (optional)

Boxing program - Blow off steam (optional)

Meet The Team

Nelson Lopez Jr., Boxing Instructor, WhiteSands Treatment Center

Asa Beard, Boxing Trainer, WhiteSands Treatment Center

Cafe and outdoor BBQ grill - Eat really well

Activities to enjoy - Have some fun

Levels of Care

Medically Assisted Detox

Residential/Inpatient Treatment

Day-night/IOP levels of care [Transition from inpatient to outpatient environment with housing]

Intensive Outpatient Program with residence (IOP) further transitioning

WhiteSands locations and property specifications

Fort Myers

Recreation Center

Plant City

Hyde Park

Services and Program Details

Services and Program Details

Full-time, highly-qualified staff

Smaller group sizes and one-on-one therapy

Why WhiteSands does it better

Some of the elements of how WhiteSands does it better:

A testament to our success

Meet Our Staff

Joseph Ducey, Chief Operating Officer, WhiteSands Treatment Center

Lyndsay Henry, Clinical Director, WhiteSands Treatment Center, Ft Myers

Dr. S. Mann, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, WhiteSands Treatment Center

Karen Lopez, M.S., Director of Hospitality, WhiteSands Treatment Center

Valerie Deacy, R.N., Director of Nursing, WhiteSands Treatment Center

Insurances accepted and self-pay rates

More about our accepted insurances and insurance policies

Self-pay Rates

Private Rooms

Length of Stay and Program

Admissions process

Steps in the admissions process

Step 1 - Call and speak with our admissions counselors

Step 2 - Agreeing to treatment and the admittance process

WhiteSands stories of recovery

Over 300 Google verified reviews

Rebecca Kutsor

Robert Vannata

Anthony Moniz

Kenneth Kaser

Recognized by

Musa Komoni

Dora Iverson

Taylor Jones

James Clark

Chris Green

Austin Houser

Jose Velez

Mary Falco

caseyann perry

Tsunami J.

Mark Adams

Joshuah Bean