How Sobriety Changed My Relationships
I’ll never forget when my dad looked at me and said, “You’re different.” He said it just a couple of weeks after I left rehab for alcohol dependence. I laughed, feeling a little off guard, and asked, “How?” He proceeded to explain that I seemed less anxious, more present, more here. My leg wasn’t bouncing. My […]
Someone Who Listens: Inside the Role of a Resident Support Specialist
The Resident Support Specialist (RSS) at Sanford Behavioral Health supports clients and assists with day-to-day operations. It’s an important role, because the RSS is also responsible for creating a community and ensuring that everyone in treatment feels welcome and safe. The RSS has a long list of responsibilities, including safety checks and inspiring participation in […]
Welcome Sanford’s New Chief Medical Officer, Bibhas Singla, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE, FAPA
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Bibhas Singla, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE, FAPA, has joined Sanford Behavioral Health as Chief Medical Officer. We sat down with Sanford’s new CMO to discuss how he will approach the role, why he chose Sanford, and how he intends to bridge critical gaps in access to high-quality mental […]
Home for the Holidays? Go to Detox Now.
The holidays often come with the unrevealed thought: I’ll just get through it. Get through the parties. The stress. The expectations. The drinking that feels unavoidable. But for some, “getting through it” has become more difficult than it should. Perhaps drinking has gotten out of hand, and the thought of getting through the spirited season without […]
What to Expect in Detox (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Detox is one of the most intimidating parts of getting sober, and doing it without medical supervision can be scary and, in some cases, life-threatening. When withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs, it’s crucial to know where to go, what to do, and what to expect. Lucky for you (and me), I’ve been to detox! I also work […]
11 Key Considerations when Choosing a Detox Center
Deciding to go to detox can feel overwhelming. We see the interaction in the parking lot at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus when loved ones drop off clients. Uncertainty, physical discomfort, emotional vulnerability, and relationship conflicts converge. You can imagine the thought process. Maybe I can do this on my own. I don’t need to […]
The Rise in Kratom Addiction (an RN’s Perspective)
The Sanford Behavioral Health (Sanford) nursing team (of which I am a part) all had concerned looks on their faces. It was early Monday morning, and the unit was quiet. “Just make sure you don’t say the ‘q’ word,” admonished one of the therapists as he walked by the nurse’s station. Then, just as the […]
U.S.Households With an Addicted Parent Impact 19 Million Children
According to a new study based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19 million U.S. children live in a household with at least one parent with a substance use disorder (JAMA Pediatrics). This figure represents nearly one-quarter of all children in the United States. The study analyzed data from 62 […]
Overnight Admissions Calls: A CEO’s Wild Ride
As the CEO of a behavioral health company, I never thought I’d be taking overnight admissions calls again, but it has been awesome! We created 24/7 EZ Admissions because nighttime or weekends can present an opportunity for an individual to seek help that they may talk themselves out of during the daytime or workweek. When […]
Announcing 24/7 Easy Admissions – Because Crises Do Not Happen 9 to 5
Mental health crises often happen at night for several reasons. Factors may include intoxication, nighttime anxiety or depression, secretive eating or purging, lack of daytime distractions, circadian rhythm disturbances, lack of empathy or argumentativeness from family members, or even the need to urinate (alcohol is a diuretic). Nocturnal anxiety makes everything seem more problematic. Likewise, […]
