Cohan Beatty LCSW

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Florida lies a colorful city named Sarasota. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and wonderful weather, Sarasota has attracted tourists and new residents alike over the years. However, beneath the sunshine and fun vacation spots, the city is not immune to the pernicious issue of addiction. Individuals and families in the Sarasota area have struggled with addiction in different forms, from drug and alcohol abuse to compulsive gambling, sex addiction, and eating disorders.The journey to addiction recovery is a challenging one, and it requires great strength and perseverance from the addicted person and their loved ones. Sarasota is home to a variety of addiction treatment services that aim to provide support, guidance, and effective treatment options to those struggling with addiction. The treatment services are varied to address different needs and situations. Some are designed for people needing medical detoxification, others offer non-medical detoxification, and others provide intensive residential or outpatient programs.A common thread running through the various treatment centers in Sarasota is the holistic approach. Holistic treatment focuses on treating the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and takes into account all aspects of the person’s life that might have influenced their addiction. The holistic approach involves therapy, educational sessions, training in life skills, and support for mental and physical health. The goal is to help individuals understand the challenges they face, develop strategies to overcome triggers, and build resilience to avoid relapse.One of the most popular approaches to addiction treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of talk therapy that aims to help individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors that lead to or worsen addiction. CBT helps individuals develop positive cognitive skills or self-talk, helping them view themselves and the world more positively. When struggling with an addiction, negative thoughts can be self-destructive and often fuel the cycle of addiction. The goal of CBT is to change these thoughts, emotions, and reactions in a healthier way. In combination with other approaches, CBT can increase the chances of success in addiction recovery.Another form of therapy that is commonly used in addiction treatment is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT is based on CBT but is tailored to people who struggle with emotional regulation, interpersonal difficulties, and high-risk self-harm behaviors. DBT involves individual therapy, group DBT sessions, and phone coaching outside of therapy. DBT aims to teach practical tools and strategies that will help people change the way they think, feel, and act.Sarasota is also home to a range of self-help groups and community support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), and Overeaters Anonymous (OA). These groups are not affiliated with any treatment centers and depend solely on voluntary participation. The support groups offer a safe environment where people can share their thoughts and experiences with others who have similar experiences. The 12-step program, a cornerstone of AA and NA, has been successful in helping many people overcome addiction.For individuals in need of more intensive treatment, residential treatment programs offer a therapeutic environment that is conducive to healing and recovery. Residential programs provide housing, medical and mental health services, individual and group therapy, recreational opportunities, and life skills training. Sarasota has many residential programs that are designed to help people overcome addiction by providing a supportive environment that motivates positive change.In conclusion, addiction is a complex disorder that affects people in different ways. Recovery and treatment are possible, and there are several options available in Sarasota, Florida. The right treatment approach for each person may vary based on their unique situation and needs. However, effective addiction treatment requires a holistic and individualized approach that addresses the root causes of addiction and equips individuals with the tools and strategies they need to achieve lasting recovery.