Eating Disorder Awareness – 5 Questions for Dr. Anna Flores

In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 27 – March 5, 2023), I took the opportunity to discuss a few key points on eating disorders with my colleague Dr. Anna Flores, DCN, MScN, CNSc. You do not need to be an expert on eating disorders to help prevent or recognize one of these potentially […]

Michigan Alcohol Abuse Statistics [2023]

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) has published current Alcohol Use Statistics [2023]. Not surprisingly, 60% of adults in the U.S. say that their alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic. 34% admit binge drinking, and 7% report extreme binge drinking. Men still comprise 62% of those diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder, 35% […]

Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus – the Wood TV Interview

Our seasoned team has fully functioned at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus since January 2022. Our signature addiction treatment centers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have been operational since 2015; however, Sanford West is still a relatively new facility, with programs rolling out regularly. We want to thank Rachael Ruiz and eightWest Wood TV for their […]

5 Family Therapy Goals

If your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you likely have a good idea of how impactful the disease of addiction can be on the broader family unit. Rarely if ever, does only one person suffer when addiction is present. Instead, entire family or friend groups typically feel the effects of an individualโ€™s addiction […]

a therapist takes notes on a notepad while discussing with the family sitting on the couch about family therapy goals

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 […]

father and daughter holding hands to depict adult children of alcoholics

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 […]

man with alkaseltzer and water for hangover

Sanford Library of Virtual Recovery Resources

Sanford Behavioral Healthโ€™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 […]

virtual recovery resources library

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 […]

adult male and an older adult male drink coffee outside discussing family communication questions