Nutrition for the Recovering Body and Mind – Limelight Interview

Learning to prioritize healthy food is an important aspect of the treatment and recovery from a mental health disorder. So is rekindling the social aspects of eating, and at Sanford Behavioral Health we provide farm fresh options and a “family style” environment. Stimulating conversation and comradery occur around our dining tables.   Today we talk […]

Women and Alcohol – the Unique Health Risks

  According to the CDC, nearly half of adult women report drinking alcohol. 13% of adult women, and 18% of women of child-bearing age binge drink. Females in their teens and early twenties drink/binge more than their male counterparts. In fact, the gender gap is closing on women of all ages, and the impact of […]

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Prioritizing Nutrition in Recovery

  When an individual begins treatment for a substance use disorder, prioritizing nutrition is not at the top of their list. The importance of nutrition often gets lost in the process of attending counseling sessions, finding local meetings, adjusting to new environments, and doing the exhausting work of forming better habits in every area of […]

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Eating Disorder Treatment Expanding in West Michigan!

  Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED) is expanding its services in West Michigan during a time of significant need. Those who work in this field are aware that the pandemic increased eating disorders and disordered eating at unprecedented rates.   Eating Disorder Treatment Expanded We are also aware that the increase is […]

Eating disorder treatment expanded

Eating Disorders and OCD – Why They Co-Occur

  People with eating disorders (ED) have a nine times greater risk of developing lifetime obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a recent Journal of Psychiatric Research article, a study by Drakes, Fawsett, Rose, et al. also found that those with EDs were at eight times greater risk for current OCD.   Eating Disorders and OCD Both […]

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Warning Signs of Relapse: Early Recovery and Beyond

  In my most recent article, Understanding Relapse – A Family Guide, we reviewed some of the realities of addiction relapse. We also looked at individual recovery plans designed to provide support and accountability towards family recovery.ย  Now we will look at the bigger picture of relapse in addictive disease and the warning signs in […]

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Demi Lovato, Diet Culture & Eating Disorders

  Demi Lovato spoke out recently on social media about eating disorders. They have long been open about their personal struggles. Demi said it could be dangerous to comment on a person’s weight, even as a compliment. In the fast-paced world of Instagram stories, the post has likely disappeared from Demi’s feed. But at Sanford, […]

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Alcohol and Divorce – Is Drinking Ruining the Marriage?

Updated 1/2/25 In an old song recorded in the 50s, Frank Sinatra sings, “Love and marriage, love and marriage. Go together like a horse and carriage. This I tell you, brother, you can’t have one without the other.” True indeed. But a less lyrical hypothesis is also true; alcohol and divorce go together like a […]

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Women’s Addiction – “Pink Flags” for Moms Who Need Wine

  I met with a thirty-something therapist last week who said she was concerned about her peers and their drinking habits. The “Moms who Need Wine” crowd, Starbucks cups filled with iced KJ at the soccer games. Play dates replete with chardonnay and imported cheese. Even baby-carriage walking groups with iced wine in the cup […]

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Announcing! Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders

  Announcing Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders! Sanford Addiction Treatment Centers has taken the next logical step in expanding treatment services in West Michigan by partnering with Gail Hall, LMSW, DCSW, CEDS-S, and her talented team at Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (CTED).   When somebody is ready to engage in treatment and get […]

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