Suicide Prevention Resources All Year Long

At Sanford Behavioral Health, we practice suicide prevention every day, and we joined the community during Suicide Prevention Month to come together to save lives. It means sharing awareness campaigns, offering training, and spreading education about the risks, warning signs, and protective factors that help keep people safe.   We asked a few key staff […]

Whack-a-Mole-Recovery and the Behavioral Health Campus

I’ve never liked the carnival game Whack-a-Mole. Bashing heads with a cartoon hammer while an endless succession of new rodents appear. It is too stressful and unpredictable. However, I can relate to the use of the term whack-a-mole recovery. Years ago, I pounded down a substance use disorder (SUD) that had taken over my life, […]

Alcohol Use is Down, Cannabis Use is Up – Is There a Correlation?

A recent Gallup poll found that 54% of US adults drink alcohol. The latest data represents the lowest percentage since Gallup began tracking in 1939. In 2024, 58% of adults drank alcohol, and in 2023 62% indulged. The perceived reason for the decline is that beliefs about the health risks of alcohol have changed. More […]

Is DETOX Rehab?

I have an acquaintance who uses medical detox like a spa. She chooses the most luxurious locations, checks in for a few days, and leaves against medical advice. When the treatment center calls to check on her and repeat their entreaties that she needs extended care, she complains, “They are just trying to get my […]

Why is a Full Range of Mental Health Treatment Essential for Lasting Recovery?

At Sanford Behavioral Health, we frequently get calls from people who have been to detox or treatment for mental health issues before. Often, they have tried various forms of treatment that do not work. That is why a full range of mental health services (a continuum of care) is essential for achieving lasting recovery. At […]

8 Ways Fall in Michigan Boosts Mental Health (plus 27 fun things to do)

I am planning a business trip to Grand Rapids in October, and to be honest, I am looking forward to fall in Michigan even more than the camaraderie. When dappled sun shines through a tunnel of yellow oaks, it inspires wonder. And wonder, awe, and gobsmackedness are good for mental health. Studies show that the […]

Suicide Prevention – What It Means to Us

Suicide prevention and Suicide Prevention Month are public health responses to death by suicide. For the public, it involves awareness campaigns, training, and education about the risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors that help keep people safe. For anyone in the public who is interested in learning more about suicide prevention, we offer a […]

Is Laughter the Best Medicine for Mental Health?

The first time I went to an AA meeting, I was surprised by the laughter. I expected the stories of loss, even tears, but the laughter seemed to wash over the room and clean the air. Similarly, at Sanford Behavioral Health, you often hear the sound of laughter as Sanford clients begin to feel better […]

Scared to Go Home After Mental Health Treatment? Try Sanford Supportive Living

Recovery-Friendly Homes and Supportive Living At Sanford Behavioral Health, we believe a recovery-friendly home is essential to long-term healing. That is why our family and friends support provides ongoing education and encouragement for the loved ones of individuals in treatment for substance use and mental health conditions. Recovery can be unpredictable, so we prepare families […]

Eating Disorder Residential – 4 Reasons It Might Be Right for You

The purpose of eating disorder residential treatment is to provide structure, safety, and accountability with 24/7 nursing and clinical support. This high level of care helps reduce the harmful effects of eating disorders quickly and effectively, while setting the foundation for lasting recovery. At Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED), we recognize that […]