Women and Alcohol – the Unique Health Risks
According to the CDC, nearly half of adult women report drinking alcohol. 13% of adult women, and 18% of women of child-bearing age binge drink. Females in their teens and early twenties drink/binge more than their male counterparts. In fact, the gender gap is closing on women of all ages, and the impact of […]
Prioritizing Nutrition in Recovery
When an individual begins treatment for a substance use disorder, prioritizing nutrition is not at the top of their list. The importance of nutrition often gets lost in the process of attending counseling sessions, finding local meetings, adjusting to new environments, and doing the exhausting work of forming better habits in every area of […]
Milestones, Legends & Michigan Summer – Best of Excursions
Michiganders feel a hint of melancholy during the Labor Day holiday each year. This is the time we dry dock the boats, close up cabins, and buy back-to-school supplies. It is also the last big blowout of the summer and picnics, waterskiing, tubing, hiking and camping excursions abound. Milestones, Legends and Summer… But […]
Remembering Early Recovery in an Empty House
I had what will probably be a once in a lifetime experience this summer. Sanford House at Cherry Street for Women in Grand Rapids, Michigan was closed for a short time for restoration. This is something that happens rarely in the 24/7 world of residential addiction treatment. The 170-year-old floors were restored, and everything […]
Eating Disorder Treatment Expanding in West Michigan!
Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED) is expanding its services in West Michigan during a time of significant need. Those who work in this field are aware that the pandemic increased eating disorders and disordered eating at unprecedented rates. Eating Disorder Treatment Expanded We are also aware that the increase is […]
Why Do I Need a Recovery Tool Kit?
At the start of my recovery, years of people pleasing had dulled down who I really was. I developed an ability to respond to any situation in the way I thought I should rather than the way I actually felt. On top of that, years of drinking dulled the pain of living a life […]
Olympic Gold? The Conversation About Mental Health!
On the final day of artistic gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Simone Biles won a bronze medal on the balance beam. This, after bowing out of all but one individual final. Her decision to withdraw was because of what she called “the twisties,” the sensation of losing her position while in the air. […]
Eating Disorders and OCD – Why They Co-Occur
People with eating disorders (ED) have a nine times greater risk of developing lifetime obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a recent Journal of Psychiatric Research article, a study by Drakes, Fawsett, Rose, et al. also found that those with EDs were at eight times greater risk for current OCD. Eating Disorders and OCD Both […]
Warning Signs of Relapse: Early Recovery and Beyond
In my most recent article, Understanding Relapse – A Family Guide, we reviewed some of the realities of addiction relapse. We also looked at individual recovery plans designed to provide support and accountability towards family recovery. Now we will look at the bigger picture of relapse in addictive disease and the warning signs in […]
Hiking Michigan – 12 Reasons It’s Good For Your Health!
Everyone knows walking is good for you. But did you know how good? And walking and hiking provide additional benefits to those recovering from substance use disorders (SUD). Especially those who are attempting to rebuild a healthy lifestyle and reverse the ill effects of long-term drug or alcohol use. The best news about taking a […]
