
Trust and Mistrust in Addiction Recovery
The concepts of trust and mistrust are important to recovery from addiction. The family of a loved one in treatment must “trust” the process. However, mistrust has ruled the roost during their family member’s active addiction. When a family loses trust, the sense of connection as a family is also lost. And for the family […]
Family Gatherings with an Eating Disorder – Tips from Dr. Flores
Family gatherings can be challenging for those in eating disorder recovery, especially during the holidays. We sat down with Dr. Anna Flores, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition on staff at Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED). She gives us valuable tips on managing eating disorder recovery during the holidays, into the New Year, or […]
Holiday Anxiety – Women Feel It More Than Men
It’s almost the Thanksgiving holiday, a time for gratitude and reminiscence about holidays past, but my memories of Thanksgiving mostly involve my angst-ridden mother bustling about while the rest of the family watched the Macy’s parade and played cards. She used to do this predictable “thing” whenever I would indicate frailty, especially during the holidays. […]
What Are the Health Risks of Bulimia Nervosa?
Coping with the repetitive cycle of binging and purging that comes with bulimia nervosa can be challenging and concerning. Moreover, this behavior can have serious health consequences and even become life-threatening. This serious eating disorder requires professional treatment and should be taken seriously. Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED) offers a specialized bulimia […]
The Vital Role of Family in Eating Disorder Recovery
The Eating Disorder Center at Sanford Behavioral Health is decorated for Spooky Week with a Snoopy pumpkin patch and artwork created by clients during art therapy. Recreational therapist Amy Kosiba, CTRS, says, “Many clients come to us with tunnel vision that they are here for treatment. They think this will be the worst experience of […]
The Healing Power of Laughter in Mental Health Treatment
I once heard a comedian say the least funny thing one can do is explain a joke or analyze why something is funny. That is probably because laughter signals a deep connection that is hard to explain. If you find yourself describing a joke, you are bombing as a comedian or missing the shared experience […]
Is DETOX Scary? We Answer Your Fearful Questions
There is a big parking lot outside the welcoming entrance to Sanford Behavioral Health’s Detox Center. A scenario often takes place when our clients and their families arrive. We can only imagine what is being discussed or the second thoughts being expressed. However, it usually takes time for them to leave the car and make […]
SAD, Sunday Scaries, & Seasonal Anxiety – Best of Excursions
It is that time of year when the air cools, and the invitations to feast, drink, and be merry begin to arrive. Obligations at work, parties, lunch with friends, and family get-togethers are all part of navigating real-life recovery from addiction, eating disorders, and mental health conditions during the holidays. For those new to recovery, […]
The Isolation of Addiction
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have a case study of a client in the final days of their isolation and active addiction. They were a smoker but not allowed to light up in the house. So, this individual would take a bottle of Jack Daniels to an unheated garage behind their house, sit on a […]
The Parallels Between OCD and Eating Disorders
Last week was OCD Awareness Week, and we sat down with Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED) Lori Kehoe, MA, to discuss the parallels between OCD and eating disorders. Studies show that individuals with eating disorders have 11 –Â 69% higher rates of OCD, and those with OCD have a 10 – […]