Letting Go in Family Recovery (Happy Thanksgiving!)
Once again, it’s the holiday season with a tradition of gathering and gift-giving to folks you care about! And Thanksgiving is the time we count our blessings and express gratitude – all part of the recovery process! At Sanford Behavioral Health, we care about our clients and Excursions readers and have a little practical […]
What Is Outpatient Detox Treatment?
When a person is struggling with substance use issues, they may need detox treatment to safely and effectively rid their bodies of harmful substances. Outpatient detox treatment is a form of detox that takes place part-time, typically involving several hours each week of medical assistance and support from addiction specialists. This type of outpatient drug […]
10 Tips for a Sober Holiday
My family has a legend we talk about from my non-sober holidays past. It’s about the time “Mom,” with a bottle of chardonnay coursing through her system, put hot stuffing into a Pyrex bowl. And while the rest of the Thanksgiving meal was sliced, mashed, and dolloped into serving dishes, I attempted to keep […]
Dear Rae: No Alcohol for the Holidays? I’m Mad!
Dear Rae: I just got an email from my aunt saying our cousin (we’ll call him Bill) is in early recovery from addiction, and to support him, she is not allowing any alcohol in her house for the holidays. I have to admit it makes me mad! My aunt is always the center of our […]
What’s the Connection of ADHD and Substance Use?
Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to use substances as a way to cope with their symptoms, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. There is also some evidence that ADHD medications may reduce the risk of developing problematic substance use behaviors, making ADHD treatment a critical part of preventing or managing substance use in […]
ARFID – Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is avoidance of food/nutrition. Still, the avoidance is based on fear of choking or vomiting triggered by smells and textures, not anxiety about weight gain. It results in a loss of weight or a failure to gain weight at the rate expected along the developmental trajectory for a […]
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 […]
