
Family Support Group at Sanford – Making a Connection
Here are the facts about the Sanford Family Support Group: The group is for family members and friends (F&F) of clients or former clients of Sanford. It does not matter what level of care the family member has been treated in. Any F&F who has been through our 4-session Family Program or a previous […]
Establishing Healthy Boundaries in Family Recovery
In this article, we will look at how to establish healthy boundaries in family recovery. Over the past several weeks, my articles have been focused on elements behind the formation of healthy boundaries. However, establishing healthy boundaries is essential to becoming effective in working with a loved one with a substance use disorder (SUD). Healthy […]
Families and SUDs – Are You Care Taking or Care Giving?
You are a family member of someone with a substance use disorder (SUD). And that special person has finally entered treatment for their SUD. You have been following all the recommended steps for family members of folks with SUDs. You’re even feeling pretty good about things now. When suddenly, it hits you. Do I really […]
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 […]
Counselor Self-Care: Protecting the Instruments of Healing
When I was a newly graduated counselor, over thirty years ago, I took my first job in an outpatient alcohol and drug treatment center. I remember my feelings of anxiety upon seeing my first clients. And I wondered, “What treatment modality should I apply?” I also worried, “Are my listening skills adequate and professional?” […]
When Loved Ones Enable Addictive Disease
In the world of addiction, to “enable” means to assist the progression of the disease by interfering with the natural consequences of addictive behaviors. As you are reading this, you’re probably thinking, “Why would anyone enable addictive disease? Make the situation worse?” Unfortunately, and often very unintentionally, family members dealing with addictive behaviors, do just […]
WHO is Your Addiction Treatment Experience?
In the past two weeks I have spent more time than I would like in a hospital. In fact, any time spent in a hospital is too much for me. But I have an ailing mother and there is something so sad about a hospital inhabitant without a plethora of primrose toting visitors. So I […]
Gratitude, Thankfulness and Recovery in the Real World…
I went away to a retreat last weekend. I was feeling a bit “rusty” in my recovery and decided I could use a tune-up. One of the things that hit me like a gong at a Buddhist temple while I was there, was the fact I had stopped doing a daily check on the […]
The Wood TV Interview – Sanford Outpatient Center
Thanks to Wood TV and Emily Linnert for this fabulous piece on Sanford Outpatient Center. Our newest facility is located in Suite #101 of the landmark, Grand Rapids Masonic Temple. Serving those with substance use disorders (SUDs) in another lovingly restored historic space. Wood TV Interview – Sanford Outpatient Center
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 […]