Ask Rae: Adult Children of Alcoholics Breaking the Cycle
Dear Rae: I am an adult child of an alcoholic (ACA), and I am in a relationship with someone who drinks too much and is abusive when he does so. I keep trying to “fix” the situation and drink more to make myself less anxious. This is not my first time falling for someone with […]
Importance of Interdisciplinary Team for Eating Disorders – Free CEU Event
There is still time to join us at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus for a free CEU training course for professionals. Sanford West is 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids in Marne, Michigan. We’d love to have you visit our campus in person, but the training is also available online. Click the invitation below to […]
What is a Hangover? Why Aren’t Hangovers a Deterrent to Drinking?
Ahh, the morning after. Those who have overindulged the night before rise like zombies holding coffee cups to their foreheads. They dig in messy purses and junk drawers for painkillers and stomach settlers, piecing the previous evening’s events together like tattered scraps of paper. No one with a hangover wants to see the sunrise or […]
Sanford Library of Virtual Recovery Resources
Sanford Behavioral Health’s use of telehealth to continue providing virtual treatment services and recovery resources receives favorable reviews from many clients, even in the aftermath of the pandemic. Individuals who choose virtual connection express gratitude for the groups and individual services we provide. In addition, our clients say they look forward to telehealth sessions to […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder – It’s Not Just the Winter Blues
Updated 2/11/2026 There are many things to love about living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. But let’s admit it – winter can be a tough season for those of us who live in the Midwest. Unfortunately, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more than just a case of the “winter blues.” It can cause mood swings, anxiety, […]
10 Family Communication Questions
What do you hope to gain from treatment? If you have a loved one working to recover from addiction, you may face challenges in multiple areas. From broad communication to daily responsibilities, all facets of life can change when loved ones transition from actively using an addictive substance to a sober lifestyle. Know that you […]
Sobriety Makes You Pretty – It’s Better than Botox!
Updated 1/2/25 I work for Sanford Behavioral Health in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan, which gives me a bird’ s-eye view of our patients in recovery. Everyone knows that addictive substance use can wreak havoc on our physical health. However, I’d like to address what it does to our physical appearance as well. Since I don’t see […]
5 Eating Disorder Warning Signs
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, remember that you’re not alone. These disorders affect millions of Americans, and their consequences can be far-reaching and strongly impact loved ones and families. Fortunately, effective treatment is available for combatting this severe condition. The first step is learning to identify eating […]
Sanford Behavioral Health – “We’re in the Resolutions Business”
(For the Video Click the Link Below) It’s February 2nd; according to statistics, most of us have already succumbed to temptation. Surprisingly, New Year’s resolutions fail 80% of the time. To that end, Susan Shaw and Wood TV 8 have done a series of interviews during January called “New Me in 2023.” Sanford Behavioral Health […]
101 Sober Things to Do to Beat the Winter Blues
Updated 02/09/2026 Are you feeling the winter blues? There are many wonderful things about living in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan, but there is a but: the winters are long. Variations on the color white blanket many of the things we like to do. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real issue when the days are short and […]
