Demystifying Admissions to Addiction Treatment
We understand that making the call to addiction treatment can be daunting for many reasons. Deciding to accept help for a substance use disorder (SUD), eating disorder, or co-occurring mental health condition (or to find support for a loved one), is a brave step. We are here to assist you along the way. Our […]
Adults (Especially Women), Alcohol Consumption & COVID-19
We’ve been under the thumb of COVID-19 long enough now, that the statistics are beginning to come in. There has been a more than 50% increase in national sales of alcohol in 2020. And a new survey by RAND Corporation shows that those over the age of 30 increased alcohol consumption 14% during May […]
Manipulation – The Fourth Defense of Addiction
This is the fourth and final article in a series on understanding and dealing with the primary defenses of addictive disease. Please notice my choice of words, “the defenses of addictive disease”. Not, “the defenses of the person you love”. There is a difference between the person you love and the disease process in […]
Figuring Out the Formula for Long-Term Recovery
I’ve been in recovery for eight and a half years. During that time, I have evolved into a completely different person: I lead an intentional and healthful life with a sense of purpose and meaning. I have never felt so alive and so empowered. My journey wasn’t easy, but it absolutely was worth it. […]
The Importance of Healthy Attachments – Limelight Interview
Emphasizing the importance of healthy attachments is a mainstay in addiction treatment. Particularly when speaking of positive outcomes in recovery. Like the legs of a stool, the more support one has, the sturdier the result. What are Healthy Attachments? “Attachment” is defined as: a strong emotional bond, an affectionate regard, fidelity to a cause, […]
Childhood Experience and Addiction – Hole in the Soul
Childhood Experience and Addiction – Hole in the Soul I grew up in a family where my dad died when I was only 6 months old. My mum re-married and because of that, my brothers and I had a different surname than she and my stepdad. We wanted to keep our father’s name. All this […]
Intentional Clinician Podcast – Addiction Treatment 2020
Thanks to Paul Krauss and The Intentional Clinician podcast for his in-depth interview. During this episode, Paul got three different perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on addiction treatment and substance use from three Sanford professionals. The conversation covered anxiety and distancing in recovery, the rise in drug/alcohol use, how Sanford is addressing […]
Healing After Suicide – i understand Book Interview
What better time than National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to speak to Vonnie Woodrick about her new book? Vonnie and her children created the nonprofit organization, i understand in 2014 to change the way we talk about suicide. And to address the stigma and language surrounding what is the terminal effect of a mental illness. […]
Saturday Programming, Addiction Treatment – Limelight Interview
Sanford House at John Street for Men is quiet on a Saturday. After a long week, the men in residential treatment embrace the weekend and Saturday programming with a more casual vibe. This is not to say we set aside the evidence-based practices we employ during the week, but the work is more relaxed […]
Dear Rae: Should We Delay Treatment for Our Son?
Dear Rae: Should we delay treatment for our son? Since March, our 21-year old son has been showing signs of alcohol and marijuana addiction. He is always sneaking off in our back yard, and there have been many times when he has been staggeringly drunk or high. I guess we are seeing it now that […]
