typewriter flowers

A Thank You Note to My Sobriety in Uncertain Times

Many years ago, I co-owned an art gallery. Art is a business characterized by booze-laced openings. And if the truth be known, I kept a bottle of plonk in my desk drawer in our distressed-brick communal office for the “down times”. When I look back on the genesis of my active addiction, Spiller Vincenty Gallery […]

Compassion & Empathy in Rehab Admissions – Limelight Interview

Sanford Admissions Specialists use the same words when asked about what their job entails – compassion and empathy. And when you consider how it feels to pick up the phone and ask for help, someone on the other end of the line feeling “with you” is key. Especially if you are a person with a […]

74 Lafayette

Rae Green & Sanford are the Talk of the Town (WOOD Radio)

  Sanford Addiction Treatment Centers Founder, Rae Green, talks to Phil Tower of Wood Radio about the “misconceptions” of addiction and addiction treatment. Rae also talks about Sanford’s approach to Real Life Recovery and how family plays a big role in long-term positive outcomes.   Phil Tower: Talk about Sanford – why are you different […]

rae wood

Control Your Controlling Behavior! Family Recovery …

  When most of us think of controlling behaviors or people who are controlling, we think of people who bully others. Folks who yell commands, behave in an overbearing manner or are just plain rude. We think of the obvious behaviors that catch our attention. In this article we focus on controlling behaviors that are […]

controlling behavior puppet

Sober Dating? How on Earth Do I Master Relationships?

Life as a single sober person can be difficult.ย  And sober dating? Fellowship meetings are not social clubs, and I tend to focus on recovery and helping others while there. So it’s difficult to meet someone (although it does happen). I am also acutely aware that many of my fellows share stories of partners who […]

dating

When Loved Ones Enable Addictive Disease

In the world of addiction, to โ€œenableโ€ means to assist the progression of the disease by interfering with the natural consequences of addictive behaviors. As you are reading this, youโ€™re probably thinking, โ€œWhy would anyone enable addictive disease? Make the situation worse?โ€ ย Unfortunately, and often very unintentionally, family members dealing with addictive behaviors, do just […]

windmill

Why Did You Choose Alcohol and/or Drugs Over Me?

ย  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 […]

woman waiting for train

Healthy Nutrition Can Help Me Stay Sober? DO Tell…

In the musical Oliver, there is a scene where a long line of adorable,ย strategically smudged orphans imagine they are eating a feast instead of the gruel they are being served. They warble, “Food, glorious food – we’re anxious to try it! 3 banquets a day. Our favourite diet. Just picture a great big steak fried, […]

food on a table

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 […]

ribbon cutting

Powerful Allies in Recovery – Educating the Family About Addiction

Why is it important to include family in recovery? ย At Sanford, we believe family involvement is one of the most important components for a healthy, long term recovery.   Family members can be powerful allies in the recovery process. And while a person is in treatment, it is the perfect time to involve family members. […]

family system