Eating Disorders and OCD – Why They Co-Occur
People with eating disorders (ED) have a nine times greater risk of developing lifetime obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a recent Journal of Psychiatric Research article, a study by Drakes, Fawsett, Rose, et al. also found that those with EDs were at eight times greater risk for current OCD. Eating Disorders and OCD Both […]
Warning Signs of Relapse: Early Recovery and Beyond
In my most recent article, Understanding Relapse – A Family Guide, we reviewed some of the realities of addiction relapse. We also looked at individual recovery plans designed to provide support and accountability towards family recovery. Now we will look at the bigger picture of relapse in addictive disease and the warning signs in […]
Hiking Michigan – 12 Reasons It’s Good For Your Health!
Everyone knows walking is good for you. But did you know how good? And walking and hiking provide additional benefits to those recovering from substance use disorders (SUD). Especially those who are attempting to rebuild a healthy lifestyle and reverse the ill effects of long-term drug or alcohol use. The best news about taking a […]
Ongoing Recovery Support for Family & Friends!
Sanford’s Family Education Program has just completed its first year of virtual service to the family and friends of our clients! Ongoing Recovery Support – A Look Back… At Sanford Addiction Treatment Centers, we have always acknowledged the significant role family and friends can play in the treatment of and recovery from addiction. Family […]
The Best Sober Vacations to Take This Summer
Vacations are good for the body and soul, right? For those in recovery, the answer can be yes and no. The fact is vacations (even well-deserved vacations) can be stressful to folks in recovery. And when there’s a boat party on every sandbar or a history of overindulging on past vacations, a holiday can be […]
Exercise for Stress and Anxiety – 5 Days X 30 Minutes!
I like setting small attainable goals. Tell me to exercise for my stress and anxiety, and I find myself in a quandary. Should I get up early and hit the nature center for a bracing hike (or will that take too long)? Wait, I could do Pilates in the living room and lunges with weights […]
Alcohol and Divorce – Is Drinking Ruining the Marriage?
In an old song recorded in the 50s, Frank Sinatra sings, “Love and marriage, love and marriage. Go together like a horse and carriage. This I tell you, brother, you can’t have one without the other.” True indeed. But a less lyrical hypothesis is also true; alcohol and divorce go together like a horse […]
Addiction Stigma – How Person-First Language Helps
Stigma is defined as “a mark of disgrace or infamy”. Stigma in addiction comes mostly from the symptoms of a person’s behavior and other aspects of a substance use disorder. Addiction Stigma It is known that persons who are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs can behave aggressively or dishonestly with erratic behaviors and judgment which […]
Here’s Why Women Can’t “Drink Like Men”
Women and Alcohol – Drink Like a Man I spent time in The Bahamas a few years ago. The collective, benign tolerance to extreme drinking was undoubtedly a factor in the misuse of alcohol by the locals (myself included). But even I was often shocked by the drunken antics of women at the local Yacht […]
Women’s Addiction – “Pink Flags” for Moms Who Need Wine
I met with a thirty-something therapist last week who said she was concerned about her peers and their drinking habits. The “Moms who Need Wine” crowd, Starbucks cups filled with iced KJ at the soccer games. Play dates replete with chardonnay and imported cheese. Even baby-carriage walking groups with iced wine in the cup […]
