Living Sober for My Kids
I had one of those classic “couldn’t do this if I was still boozing” parenting moments the other day. Our nine-year-old had a friend over for a sleepover late in the evening. At around 9:30 p.m., we were interrupted in the living room by a little boy in tears saying, “I want to go home!” […]
Avoiding the Whack-a-Mole Eating Disorder Game
I’ve never liked the carnival game whack-a-mole. Bashing heads with a cartoon hammer while an endless succession of new rodents appears. It is too stressful and unpredictable. But I could relate when a friend in recovery said they thought eating disorders, popping up during addiction treatment, reminded them of playing whack-a-mole. Because just when […]
3 Tips to Help Your Mental Health During the Holidays
The holidays can be a memorable and joyful time, but they can also be stressful and challenging for your mental health. Regarding your mental health, it’s essential to understand that you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed by any mental health issues you might face. In the U.S., mental health is a serious issue that impacts […]
Sanford Professional’s Day Recap
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Sanford Behavioral Health Professional’s Day in Midland, Michigan. With opening words, Alec Green, Sanford’s Managing Director, kicked off the free CEU event organized by Courtney Quick. Afterward, a host of speakers gave presentations on “Integrative Behavioral Health Programs.” Thanks also to our CEU sponsors, My Michigan […]
Choose Alcohol over Family?
One of the most challenging questions for those recovering from an alcohol use disorder is, “Why did you choose alcohol over me?” No matter how often you tell the family of a person in active addiction their loved one has a chronic, progressive brain disease, someone will stand up and say, “Yes, but they […]
The Effects of Alcohol on the Whole Body
Whenever I think of the ill effects of alcohol and drugs on the body, I think of the 1980s Partnership for a Drug-Free America campaign with the egg. This is your brain (hold up a pristine egg). This is drugs (grease bubbling in a frying pan). And this is your brain on drugs (crack […]
Rae Green Interview: Embracing Body Acceptance – West MI Women
Thank yous to West Michigan Magazine for the informed interview with Sanford Behavioral Health Founder, Rae Green. In honor of Body Acceptance Week, a new initiative from the National Eating Disorders Association, Rae gave her perspective on body acceptance as the holiday season approaches. Click the link below for the full article. “Sanford […]
Anorexia in Larger Bodies? Busting Misdiagnosis and Stigma
When you think of anorexia, what is the mental picture you have? Images of an emaciated individual come to mind: a whisp of a young woman, clothes hanging off a skeletal frame. In reality, serious eating disorders can occur in individuals of all body sizes, any gender, and most ethnic groups. Only 7% of […]
Clinical Therapist Advice – Work With a Team Before Going Solo
I started my career as a therapist in the Intern Program at Sanford Behavioral Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was called “Sanford House” in early 2018, and we were managing outpatient addiction treatment in the carriage house at Sanford House at Cherry Street for Women. I was fortunate enough to shadow an amazing […]
5 Benefits of Residential Detox Treatment
There can be many benefits of residential detox treatment, including increased comfort and safety, specialized medical care and support, and the opportunity to focus solely on recovery without the distractions or temptations of everyday life. Residential detox treatment provides a supportive environment where you can focus on healing from your substance use disorder while also […]
