Lake Michigan – 8 Mental and Physical Benefits
Why do we gravitate toward water? Why is it so hypnotic to watch the waves? There is a reason every stretch of the waterfront is laden with houses and parks – it’s where we want to be. In fact, those who live near the ocean swear by the healing powers of the salty sea. […]
What is the Impact of Addiction on Children?
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we treat adults with substance use disorders (SUDs). Part of client treatment is to educate and create informed support for the significant folks in their lives. Our clients can be young adults with siblings in their primary family, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, friends, and partners; most have relationships with young children. […]
The Benefits of Virtual and Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to remember that nearly one in five American adults live with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). Shockingly, only half of the people who suffer from mental health disorders receive treatment. Across the country, there is a significant gap in […]
What is a Continuum of Care in Mental Health Treatment?
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive and personalized treatment for individuals diagnosed with addiction, eating disorders, and mental health conditions. We utilize a “continuum of care,” which means giving support at every level of recovery, from intensive inpatient treatment to virtual therapy. All of our programs are entry points to the recovery continuum of […]
Holidays, Relationships, and Alcohol – Best of Excursions
There is a phenomenon that occurs at Sanford Behavioral Health after a holiday: website traffic increases, and phone calls surge. Our most viral articles about holidays, relationships, and alcohol misuse are accessed from the recesses of our blog. Why? The downtime, family time, and festivities around holidays often illuminate problems with drinking and fissures in […]
4 Summer Addiction Triggers to Avoid
Addiction recovery presents challenges and obstacles, especially in the early days and perhaps surprisingly in summer. Anyone who is trying to make a significant life change may experience relapse triggers that arise unexpectedly. A trigger is an emotional, environmental, or social situation that evokes memories of past drug or alcohol use, threatening to weaken one’s […]
Surgeon General’s Warning – Social Media is Hazardous to Mental Health
In a recent New York Times Guest Essay, United States Surgeon General Vivek K. Murthy announced he would call for a warning label on social media platforms. The goal is to increase awareness that social media has not yet been proven to be safe. A surgeon general’s warning label is similar to those on alcohol […]
Does Virtual Treatment for Mental Health Conditions Work?
Recently, Sanford Behavioral Health opened its virtual intensive outpatient program for primary mental health conditions. This means individuals with anxiety and depression, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and other mental health conditions learn coping skills in the privacy of home. Programs are trauma-focused, and we utilize the primary therapeutic intervention for these […]
How Do I Talk To My Loved One About Their Drinking?
Updated 7/7/2025 One of the questions I get as an addiction counselor with an advice column (Ask Rae) is, “How do I talk to my partner, loved one, or friend about their drinking?” In fact, some of Sanford Behavioral Health’s most viral articles are about the subject of alcohol ruining relationships. It is one of […]
The Health Benefits of a Michigan Summer
In Michigan, Memorial Day weekend symbolizes the beginning of summer and the end of a tough winter and often disappointingly dreary spring. Docks are fully installed, boats are out of dry dock, and winter coats are confidently stowed in closets. Summer is cherished here because we know it is fleeting – a time to grab […]
