The Gift of Desperation in Addiction Recovery
You feel utterly weird when you first quit drinking. I certainly did. I felt like a sober alien who had been beamed down onto a boozy planet. Like a foreigner in my own life, completely out of context and uncomfortable to say the least. It’s a rough transition… I’d go to social gatherings […]
Enabling VS Empathy – It’s a Fine Line – Interacting With Addiction
Even if you aren’t familiar with addiction treatment, you’ve probably heard the term “enabler”. Enabling describes how loved ones interact with a person with a substance use disorder (SUD). And although many of us have heard the word, few of us know what it actually means. Enabling behavior is anything that supports an addict’s […]
Dysfunctional Drinking – Am I Being the Fun Police?
I was scrolling through Instagram a couple of days ago when I saw a photo that a local celebrity had posted. It was of a takeaway cup filled with wine and the caption read: “Sneaking a light beverage into the school prize giving tonight.” The photo was liked by over 2,000 people […]
Boredom and Isolation in Recovery…
Yesterday afternoon at about 4pm I sat at the kitchen bench and stared off into space. I felt bored and restless. I would have rather been somewhere else. Working at an office in town maybe. Or out doing something – anything – stimulating and interesting. But because I’m a stay-at-home mum who works part-time […]
Why Did You Choose Alcohol and/or Drugs Over Me?
It’s seven o’clock and the school play is starting. Or it’s your birthday dinner with all the relatives. You could be sitting awkwardly with your boss at an introductory lunch, or waiting at the agreed upon spot for a morning walk. Whatever the commitment, you are looking at your watch with your heart in […]
Early Morning Hikes Fortify Your Rehab/Recovery Experience…
I have started a walking group at Sanford House at Cherry Street. Two mornings each week, rain or shine, I turn up at the treatment center early for “Walks With Mare”. I lead (sometimes follow) a group of women for a four mile hike around the city. We are starting a similar walk for men […]
Sanford House at John Street for Men – Grand Opening
It was an evening for friends, family and business colleagues to gather at Sanford House Addiction Treatment Centers’ newest facility. Located at 221 John Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan, the restored mansion will serve as a residential and non-residential addiction treatment center for men. The Green family hosted a party to officially open the […]
What are My Kids Thinking (About my Sobriety)?
I have so many “how on earth could I be doing this if I was still boozing” moments nowadays, but none more so than when I’m driving my kids around in the evening to their activities. My Three Sons… This happens a lot given I’ve entered that phase of parenting when I seem to […]
Craftsmen & Artists – Restoring Men’s Addiction Treatment
What does it take to realize a big vision? When the vision includes restoring historic homes to serve as addiction treatment centers? For Sanford House founders, Rae and David Green, it takes a small army of craftsmen and artists (and a bit of patience). Following the success of their Cherry Street location for women, the couple are building […]
How to Be a (Sober) Legend in Your Own Lifetime…
You know the saying ‘The only constant is change’? I know it’s a terrible cliche, but boy is it true. I’ve been noticing this recently with regards to my emotional and physical health. I get in a good rhythm with things and I’m firing on all cylinders being happy and healthy and I […]
