Substance abuse and addiction have become widespread public health crises, yet stigma and misinformation continue to surround these diseases.

As the CEO of a leading addiction treatment center, Sabih Faraz sees firsthand the transformative impact that evidence-based care, empathy and community support can have. Through his work at Kemah Palms Recovery, Sabih is fighting to change the dialogue surrounding addiction.

Sabih recognizes that lasting recovery requires an integrated approach addressing the whole person. At Kemah Palms, evidence-based care heals both the physiological and psychological drivers of addiction. By treating the root causes fueling substance abuse, they empower individuals to gain control of their health and their lives once more. The center offers an invaluable lifeline through strength-based therapy and peer support nurturing dignity.

Sabih’s Journey to Helping Others Heal

A foreign medical doctor, originally from Pakistan. Sabih brings a wealth of experience from managing psychiatric hospitals across Texas and studying at Harvard Business School. However, it was his desire to help those deeply struggling with addiction that led him to partner with Kemah Palms Recovery. Witnessing the explosive growth of the opioid epidemic, Sabih recognized both the profound human suffering and the lack of accessible, compassionate care available to so many.

Embracing Addiction as a Disease

From the beginning of his career in addiction treatment, Sabih has recognized addiction for what it truly is – a disease, not a character flaw or moral failing. “Addiction is a disease; it’s not a habit you can simply overcome without help,” he stresses. As a disease, addiction has biological and environmental causes beyond an individual’s control. Unfortunately, many are still quick to pass judgment on those struggling with substance abuse issues.

By treating addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral weakness, we can reduce the stigma that prevents many from seeking the treatment they need. Sabih is committed to educating communities and destigmatizing addiction through Kemah Palms’ work.

Prioritizing Individualized Treatment

While detox addresses acute withdrawal symptoms, Sabih understands treatment cannot stop there. “Medication alone is not enough – counseling provides crucial support,” he notes. At Kemah Palms, clients follow an evidence-based, multi-step continuum of care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

This begins with medically-supervised detox overseen by doctors and psychiatrists. Clients then transition to longer-term residential treatment involving individual therapy, group sessions, and around-the-clock support.

Three Keys to Overcoming Addiction

According to Sabih, long-term recovery requires addressing not just physical dependency but the complete health of the individual in body, mind, and spirit. At Kemah Palms, clients embark on a continuum of clinically sophisticated, personalized care including:

• Medically supervised detox: Detox alone is not enough – counseling provides crucial support during acute withdrawal.
• Long-term residential treatment: For up to 30 days, holistic therapies like individual/group sessions heal the traumas at addiction’s root. “Nothing can change you if you’re not ready,” Sabih advises.
• Post-treatment support: Options supporting those in recovery for months beyond initial treatment help strengthen new coping skills when met with life’s challenges. Whether partial hospitalization, sober living, or the Palms Foundation’s scholarship programs ensuring ongoing access to care, Kemah Palms empowers lasting wellness.

A Mission of Spreading Knowledge and Support

For Sabih, success requires not only effective treatment models but also changing minds through education. “Addiction is a disease, not an answer of shame, guilt and fear,” he emphasizes. To counter stigma, Kemah Palms offers community workshops and free opioid antagonist NARCAN to all graduates and family members. 

By addressing addiction as a medical issue rather than a moral failing, Sabih believes we can start to properly support individuals in recovering their full health, happiness, and dignity. With compassion and accessibility central to his vision, Sabih and Kemah Palms are transforming lives one client at a time.

To learn more about Sabih Faraz and Kemah Palms Recovery, visit their website here.

Published By: Aize Perez