The “OTHERS” Program Al-Anon
Al-Anon is a 12-step program that adopted the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous word-for-word, except for the 12th step, changing the word “alcoholics” to “others.” The “others” program is akin to AA but aids families and friends of those with an alcohol use disorder. In the group, they practice the 12 steps, give support […]
Choose Alcohol over Family?
One of the most challenging questions for those recovering from an alcohol use disorder is, “Why did you choose alcohol over me?” No matter how often you tell the family of a person in active addiction their loved one has a chronic, progressive brain disease, someone will stand up and say, “Yes, but they […]
Sanford Behavioral Health Earns Prestigous Blue Distinction
[Grand Rapids, Michigan 9/15/2022] Sanford Behavioral Health is proud to announce it has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery at its Sanford House at Cherry Street for Women, and Sanford House at John Street for Men facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association […]
Flying High: Why Airports Are Triggers for Those in Recovery
The holidays are coming, and we have begun to venture back to the friendly skies. It seems that everyone is donning a mask and getting on a plane going somewhere. For those of us in recovery, walking through a brightly lit airport has the potential to trigger memories of a high flying past. And […]
Social Drinking, Social Anxiety and the Open Bar
What is it about an open bar at a lively party? Friendly wait staff in bow ties and damask draped folding tables.The inevitable lineup of soon to be new best friends. And for anyone like me, with social anxiety, the open bar is the ultimate event ice-breaker. New Friends, Open Bar….No Social Anxiety […]
Sober Sex Part Two: Who is this Stranger in My Bed?
When I look back at the two men I dated in the lacuna after my divorce and before I quit drinking, I actually have trouble imagining I was a participant. The choices I made in romantic partners, seemed to be based on how different they were from my ex-husband and how bad they were for me. […]