10 Components of a Recovery-Friendly Home
The family programs at Sanford Behavioral Health were created to include our clients’ loved ones during treatment and beyond. The Family Program provides education and support about the disease of addiction, recovery, and how to create a recovery-friendly home. Family involvement is one of the essential components of a healthy long-term recovery. Because of this, […]
Do I Have Binge Eating Disorder? Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., affecting about 3% of the population at some time in their lives. Of people with eating disorders, 47% have binge eating disorder. BED is characterized by recurrent binge eating without compensatory measures to counteract the binge, such as purging, laxative overuse, and […]
6 Reasons a Michigan Summer is Good for Mental Health
Michigan summer feels hopeful and restorative. Green is the color of life, nature, renewal, and energy. The color green is also associated with fertility, growth, and harmony. Blue stands for serenity, stability, inspiration, wisdom, and health. So, what better place to explore than Pure Michigan now that summer is here with all its shades of […]
Summer Holidays – Tips for Recovering Families
The 4th of July is upon us – the apex of the summer holidays. And although we love the sun and water fun, we understand that families managing substance use disorders can experience heightened anxiety levels during this time. The sound of fireworks can trigger those with PTSD and anxiety. The coolers stocked with cold […]
Chronic Pain and Mental Health with Dr. Gilbert Masterson
It is a beautiful morning, the sun shining through the blinds, and you are ready to meet a brand new day. But hopping from the bed with optimism has become a problem because your back, knees, hips, or that lingering migraine sends a shock of pain with the first footfall on the bedroom floor. You […]
6 High-Spirited Vacations Without Alcohol
Every year at this time, I think of those who are new to recovery. Summer vacation without alcohol can be stressful for the recently sober traveler. In my drinking days, a holiday began with the first glass of wine on the plane. It often ended with bruised shins, battered relationships, and a hangover from hell. […]
Ultra-Processed Foods, Mood & Mental Health
Have you ever read the ingredients on your breakfast cereal box or other ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? It’s not for the faint of heart. Sodium bicarbonate, yellow 5, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and six synonyms for sugar. What is this stuff? Ultra-processed food contains high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and chemical additives like artificial color, sweeteners, and preservatives. […]
Gray Area Drinking – Socializing or Self-Medicating?
Gray area drinking (GAD) is the often difficult-to-define space between social drinking and damaging alcohol consumption. A couple of glasses of wine with your significant other after a grueling day or a cocktail from the roving golf cart bar on the links is acceptable, right? What about a stiff drink before a party to take […]
Trauma and Eating Disorders with Dr. Anna Flores
How are trauma and eating disorders related, and how does trauma-informed care integrate into eating disorder treatment? Dr. Anna Flores sat down with Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (SCTED) clinical manager Justyne Ortquist to discuss this in a new episode of The Recovery Tea podcast. The 55-minute podcast covers topics such as: […]
Psychiatrist-Led Mental Health Treatment with Dr. Gilbert Masterson
The internet is full of addiction and other mental health treatment websites that tout having a psychiatrist on staff. This is important information to challenge when seeking treatment, as there is a growing psychiatrist shortage in the U.S. “Psychiatrist on staff” may mean psychiatrist on call or shared with other treatment facilities and available infrequently […]
