Opioid Epidemic Rages On – Stats and Medication-Assisted Treatment

After the daily conversation about the opioid epidemic during the pandemic, the fewness of media features in recent months might lead one to believe the problem has lessened. However, overdose deaths spiked 30% between 2019 and 2020, rose another 15% between 2021 and 2022 and continue to rise. There were 111,355 overdose deaths in the […]

Toxic Masculinity, Trauma and the Elusive Emotions of Men

Toxic masculinity refers to masculine norms emphasizing toughness and discouraging vulnerable emotions in boys and men. It is correlated with increased mental health conditions (e.g., substance use disorders, depression, and stress). The residential programs at Sanford House at John Street for Men address these conditions in an atmosphere of camaraderie and trust. Clinicians specialize in […]

When Experience is Therapeutic – Limelight Interview

At Sanford Behavioral Health, our client’s treatment is enhanced by the relationship they establish with their primary therapist. Today in the Limelight Interview, we focus on clinical therapist Shellie Cole-Mickens. Shellie is a powerhouse who founded Our House of Blessings, which offers sanctuary and support for women ex-offenders or those with mental health and substance […]

What is the One Gift Your Family Will Not Return?

The Season of Hope and Family Recovery This is the season of hope, joy, and the giving of gifts to honor that hope and joy.  A season of this type applies to all people who practice traditions of their culture or faith. I am the Family Program for Addiction Treatment facilitator at Sanford Behavioral Health. […]

Behavioral Health Professional’s Day – Free CEUs

  Join us for a full day of presentations and networking at Sanford Behavioral Health’s Professional’s Day. Behavioral Health Professional’s Day is an in-person event in Midland, Michigan. Five experts will speak on topics such as the common characteristics central to eating and substance use disorders; suicide prevention; the PIES model; and recovery efforts at […]

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Raising the Bar on Behavioral Health – MiBiz Interview

  Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus Thanks to Mark Sanchez and MiBiz magazine for the coverage of the newest addition to Sanford Behavioral Health’s services in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus is raising the bar on behavioral health in the state and beyond. The campus contains a Detox Center, and a […]

David and Mark S-min

Ask Rae: How to Choose an Addiction Treatment Center?

Dear Rae: My wife’s addiction and mental health issues have gotten out of hand. It is impacting our quality of life, and our children’s lives. But I am overwhelmed by the options for treatment. How do I find the best addiction treatment center for her? And how do I know what she needs? Also, we […]

Rae Green

Steven Tyler Long-Term Recovery Relapse – Why Does it Happen?

  In a series of articles, we heard last week that rock band Aerosmith have cancelled the first two months of their Los Vegas residency. The reason cited is that front-man, Steven Tyler, checked himself into rehab after more than a decade of sobriety. The star is said to have relapsed after taking pain medication […]

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Stigma Busting! Education is Key in Family Recovery

  In December of 2021, Sanford Founder, Rae Green and I delivered a presentation to Washtenaw Families Against Narcotics (WFAN). One element of that presentation was a discussion related to relapse. We introduced the concept of calling it a recurrence instead of relapse as part of our section on stigma busting addiction and co-occurring disorders […]

stigma busting group on beach

The Importance of Human Connection. Pandemic’s Silver Lining?

  There is no argument – 2021 has been a tough year on our mental health. We have been challenged by the seemingly never-ending COVID pandemic. And in the behavioral health field the increase in overdoses, caused by multiple factors linked with the pandemic, resulted in more than 100,000 deaths.   Is Connection the Pandemic’s […]

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