WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab Fort Myers — Attraction in Fort Myers

My experience at White Sands was excellent, and in so many great ways, was not what I had expected. If you don't read beyond this first paragraph, know that if you choose to be engaged and participate from the time you arrive, if you absorb everything you can from everyone there, and complete your program, you will walk out happier and healthier than you would likely have imagined, with friends you didn't expect to make, and with a road map for success in both recovery and life as a whole.

Specifically, if you are a business owner, professional, or anyone who has a concern (I did) about being in touch with your employees, job, co-workers, or boss, be confident that the staff and administration understand the reality of that. The schedule is structured so that you will have some time from the mid-late afternoon into evening to deal with things as they arise. This includes phone/laptop access. In addition, I received incredibly beneficial advice and insight from the counselors, therapists and instructors into how to deal with work-related issues (and people). I am so grateful for all of this.

I was fortunate enough to meet several people who were in similar situations in life, and were going through the same things I was. We picked up a lot from each other, and are still in touch. I also met and became friends with a bunch of people who I would not have otherwise realized I do have plenty in common with - another great experience I hadn't anticipated.

The entire staff was awesome in every respect. The education choices are excellent if you take advantage. I felt like I was getting graduate level crash courses in multiple behavioral and recovery theories, and in stress and relationship management, relapse prevention, anxiety reduction, grief and loss, family dynamics, self-reflection, and a lot more.

It went far beyond just alcohol and addiction. Every session allowed for engagement and participation. The individual therapist sessions were really good for me. I was fortunate to have them with Brian and Sarah, both of whom challenged and pushed me (and maybe even called me on a few things...) Both of them, and others, were really generous outside of scheduled times, helping me talk through a few things. I truly appreciate that. I had a family session; I recommend it. The time is worth it and can pay dividends well after you leave.

The food was great, the chefs - John and Michelle - made sure there was something for everyone, and when there was something specific someone wanted, I even saw them accommodate that (Shepherds Pie comes to mind)!

The nursing staff and doctors were wonderful and accommodating. The availability of the chiropractor, massage therapy, and yoga - all onsite (and all things I hadn't previously tried) - was awesome!

The Spirituality component of the program for those who want/need/choose it (though entirely optional) was remarkable and eye-opening. The evening meetings were powerful - thanks to the techs and staff whose dedication made those so good. The weekly Sunday and Tuesday night sessions with Pastor Rob were an absolute highlight of my experience at White Sands and benefited me (and by extension my family) in ways that will be with me forever. Again, something I did not anticipate in a treatment setting.

Speaking of the techs, their compassion, care and engagement enhanced the experience from early morning until late at night. From the time Jordan walked me in the door until four weeks later, when Eddie walked me out to my car and left me with some final words of inspiration, their encouragement, and willingness to share their own experiences, gave me the knowledge and confidence that recovery is possible and contentment is out there for everyone. They also showed us the journey can be fun too; we had plenty of laughs along the way. Every tech there helped me.

Finally if you're a guy, make sure before you leave, you bring a notebook and corral Mary and Michelle for their "Forget the Flowers and Candy" session on how to ingratiate yourself to your significant other once...

I want to share my personal experience at White Sands because it completely changed my life, and I hope my story inspires you to take that first step toward recovery.

I recently spent 30 days at White Sands, and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Like many people, I came in feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to expect. But from the moment I walked through those doors, I was greeted with warmth, understanding, and a level of care I didn’t think was possible.

What stood out to me immediately was the dedication of the staff. These are not just professionals—they’re people who genuinely care about your well-being. During my stay, I worked with 14 different therapists who brought unique perspectives and expertise to every session. They weren’t just going through the motions; they really listened, cared, and worked with me.

Beyond the therapists, the facility is supported by an incredible team of 5 doctors, 11 nurses, and 17 Behavioral Health Technicians. These are the people who make sure your daily needs are met, and they do it with so much compassion. Whether it’s helping with scheduling, ensuring medications are delivered on time, or just offering a kind word when you’re having a tough day.

White Sands doesn’t just stop at the basics of treatment; they go above and beyond to ensure the recovery process feels complete. After the initial 30-day residential program, they offer a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), followed by an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that lasts between 30 and 90 days.

This is what sets White Sands apart—they don’t just help you get sober; they give you the tools to stay sober. And if you need additional support, there’s an opportunity to transition into sober living. They ensure you’re not just leaving treatment; you’re stepping into the next phase of your life with confidence and structure.

The facility itself is incredible. From the moment you step inside, you feel a sense of peace and safety. The living areas are comfortable, with beds that feel like home, and there are plenty of smoking areas for those who need them. If you forget anything, they provide basic supplies, and you can order additional items through an internal store that delivers daily.

There are two beautiful pools where you can relax, and the gym facilities are top-notch.

I also tried yoga and meditation for the first time in my life, and now I can’t imagine my days without them. These practices helped me find inner peace and clarity, something I had been searching for.

The food at White Sands deserves its own section—it’s that good. The kitchen staff goes above and beyond to prepare meals that are both healthy and delicious.. But what really moved me were the little things—the daily AA, NA, and CA meetings held on-site for convenience, the transportation provided for outside appointments like dental visits, and even donated clothes from the local community for those who need them. These details show how much White Sands cares about the whole person, not just their addiction.

One of the most impactful parts of my stay was working with their chiropractor, Dr.Danny and the massage therapist, who helped me feel physically rejuvenated. .

White Sands isn’t just a treatment center—it’s a place of healing and hope. It’s a community where you feel safe, supported, and valued. They understand that recovery is not just about stopping the use of substances; it’s about rediscovering yourself, rebuilding your life, and finding the strength to move forward.

To anyone out there struggling, I want you to know that change is possible. I know how hard it is to take that first step, but I promise you—it’s worth it. White Sands gave me a chance to.get my life back. They gave me the tools to heal, the support to believe in myself, and the confidence to face the future.

If you’re considering treatment, don’t wait. Take that leap of faith and choose White Sands. You deserve a second chance at life, and this place will help...

This is long but please read! I am the parent of a 19 year old who needed rehab for heroin use. It’s a nightmare that no parent ever wants to find themselves in. As with many parents, we had no experience with how to navigate the rehab environment. Unfortunately, there are many facilities that are only interested in getting your money and it’s so difficult to know where to send your loved one.

Initially, our son went to a detox/inpatient facility on the east coast of FL. It was overall fine, but lacked the amount of communication that we wanted. So, while he was there for the first month, we researched other facilities.

We were so fortunate to find White Sands in Fort Myers. From the start, I was so impressed with the communication and compassion that we experienced. Our initial contact was with a gentleman named Zach. He spent hours on the phone answering our questions and was always available. 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. 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, my son spent 4 months at White Sands between PHP and IOP. His therapists Gayle, Heidi, and Sarah have been outstanding. Melissa, one of the administrators, was also extremely helpful with my son’s treatment and helped to arrange his Vivitrol shots and other logistics. 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.

The director Mike is also phenomenal. Despite having the responsibility of running the program, he was available at all times and assisted at every step of the process, whether it was insurance issues, living arrangements, or assistance with finding my son sober living options in the Fort Myers area to continue his recovery after White Sands. He was truly invested in his success, and never once made me feel like I was bothering him or that my questions were excessive.

The apartment where he lived during IOP was also excellent. It was clean, well located and well managed. The house manager Patty is wonderful. She runs the apartment with a firm but compassionate hand, which is what addicts in recovery need. She also was always available, helpful and clearly had the clients best interest in mind.

In summary, I cannot recommend White Sands Fort Myers more strongly. 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 White Sands. They were, and still are, integral in the ongoing success of my son’s recovery and I am...