Fort Myers Doctor Thanks WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Providing His Son With Compassionate Addiction Care

Fort Myers, Florida -

Fort Myers, FL - Anthony, a physician in Florida, went through a nightmare no parent ever wants to experience. “I am the parent of a 19-year-old who needed rehab for heroin use,” he said.

Like most parents, Anthony had no experience with how to navigate the rehab environment. He quickly discovered that it was going to be a challenge to find an addiction treatment center he could trust with his child’s care.

Anthony’s son first went to a detox and inpatient rehab for heroin addiction that didn’t provide the level of communication he needed to feel comfortable. So during the month his son was there, he researched other options.

“We were so fortunate to find WhiteSands in Fort Myers,” Anthony said. “From the start, I was so impressed with the communication and compassion that we experienced.”

WhiteSands is an alcohol and drug rehab center that was founded with the goal of raising the standards of addiction treatment. Founders Gary Jonas and Joseph Ducey had the pioneering idea of designing programs that treat patients as guests during their time in rehab. They felt it was no surprise that providing patients with a positive and empowering atmosphere led to better recovery outcomes. “When patients are comfortable in their environment and don’t feel like they are simply a number, they are much more receptive to recovery,” said Jonas.

Of course, it’s not just patients who need to feel comfortable. The family of a person going through detox and rehab can be in a state of pure anguish during the process. Family members want to know exactly where their loved one will be and what their experience will be like. They want to make sure their loved one is safe and comfortable and that they will receive effective treatment that will help them create lasting change.

Fortunately, Anthony found all the information and support he needed to feel confident sending his son to WhiteSands. “Our initial contact was with a gentleman named Zach. He spent hours on the phone answering our questions and was always available,” Anthony said. “When I asked if I could visit the facility where we were considering PHP for our son, he immediately arranged an on-site visit for me. At that visit I met with Kimberly who spent a few hours with me showing me the facility, explaining the program, and reassuring me that my son was going to be in a safe place.”

Anthony went on to say, “The facility itself is fantastic; clean, bright, and projecting a very positive vibe. Everyone I met that day could not have been nicer. Kimberly even offered to show me the sober living apartment where my son would transition to if he chose to continue at White Sands. This was also safe, close, and well managed."

Ultimately, Anthony’s son spent a total of four months at WhiteSands participating in PHP and IOP programs. To his relief, the communication and support Anthony found at WhiteSands early on continued throughout his son’s recovery journey. “They all went above and beyond to keep in communication with us at every step of the way in addition to helping my son with his therapy and recovery,” he said. “[They were] truly invested in his success, and never once made me feel like I was bothering [them] or that my questions were excessive.”

WhiteSands has received hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google from former clients and family members like Anthony. WhiteSands was also ranked the number one addiction treatment center in Florida by Newsweek magazine in 2020 and 2021. Newsweek’s annual rankings are informed by a survey of doctors, health care professionals, and administrators who are asked to evaluate facilities based on their reputation, level of accreditation, quality of care, follow-up care, and accommodations and amenities. This combination of patient testimonials and professional recognition helps the WhiteSands team know they’re living up to their goal of raising the bar in addiction treatment and recovery outcomes.

For parents like Anthony, knowing their child is safe and well cared for is the ultimate priority. WhiteSands provides a rehab experience that goes far beyond industry standards in terms of both treatment and amenities. Patients participate in one on one therapy five times per week where the industry standard is to provide one hour of individual therapy each week. WhiteSands also employs board-certified medical staff full-time to ensure patients’ safety and continuity of care around the clock.

Patients at WhiteSands reside in private rooms with their own bathroom and a TV in the room. They’re allowed the use of cell phones and laptops at the end of the day so they can keep in touch with loved ones. Patients also have access to state-of-the-art amenities including a fitness center with personal trainers on staff, a swimming pool, basketball courts, beach volleyball, and more. These amenities help patients build healthy habits and learn how to have fun again within a sober community.

“In summary, I cannot recommend WhiteSands Fort Myers more strongly,” Anthony said. “As a parent, physician, and business owner, I am beyond impressed with the way the program is run, the care that my son received, and the compassion that I experienced at every step. I have no affiliation with this facility other than my son getting treatment there. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation that we did, please have your loved one go to WhiteSands. They were, and still are, integral in the ongoing success of my son’s recovery and I am forever grateful.” Click the link to learn more about how WhiteSands helps people with heroin addiction.

Anyone in need of help with substance abuse, either for themselves or a loved one, can speak with a treatment specialist at any time by calling (877) 640-7820. Visit www.whitesandstreatment.com to learn more.