Why Veterans and First Responders Only Treatment? 4 Questions for Executive Director Matthew VanLiere
Matthew (Matt) VanLiere has a BA in Criminal Justice and 29 years of experience in law enforcement. Matt worked with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department in narcotics investigations (undercover work), bench warrant enforcement, general road patrol, and crisis negotiation. He was an honor guard member for his entire law enforcement career. During his years of […]
Early Risers & Reduced Risk of Depression
The old saying, “The early bird catches the worm,” underscores the benefits of taking action early in the morning. Motivational speaker Mel Robbins uses the “5-second rule” (counting backward from 5 to 1) to get you out of bed and start the day. She also espouses getting up at 5:00 am with a powerful routine […]
Michigan Fentanyl Seizure and Overdose Update
Last week, the Grand Rapids Police Department seized 500 grams of fentanyl from an apartment complex in Grandville, Michigan. GRPD Deputy Chief Maycroft said it was enough fentanyl to “kill the entire population of Grand Rapids and Grandville combined.” Fentanyl is an FDA-approved rapid-acting synthetic opioid that alleviates pain. However, fentanyl also depresses the central […]
Best of Resolutions for a New Year
12 Days of Hope Series #3 This time of year, the word “resolution” is on the mind. There is something about a clean New Year and the hope for change. For those with active addiction or an eating disorder, the holidays exacerbate their disorders and accentuate emotional triggers. Social media says we should keep resolutions […]
Mocktail Recipes to Toast the Holidays
It’s party time, and the good news for those who are in early recovery or alcohol-free is the trend toward the damp/dry lifestyle and the growth of sober bars and mocktails on the menu. In Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan, many establishments serve non-alcoholic drinks, and Chartreuse Sisters serves homemade sweet treats and mocktails with enticing […]
How Can We Establish Family Boundaries in Recovery?
Let’s face it: family members can push every button. When a person is in recovery from a substance use disorder, the entire family is involved in the delicate process of transitioning beliefs, feelings, and actions. How can we establish family boundaries in recovery? In an upcoming webinar with the Mental Health Association in Michigan, […]
Meet Hilary Fowler, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for Eating Disorders
Hilary Fowler is a dual-board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner (NP) and psychiatric mental health NP. As a provider, she specializes in eating disorders, particularly with adolescents, and focuses on residential and day treatment (PHP) at Sanford Behavioral Health. We sat down with Hilary to discuss her role at Sanford Behavioral Health Campus and how she collaborates […]
What is a Continuum of Care in Mental Health Treatment?
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive and personalized treatment for individuals diagnosed with addiction, eating disorders, and mental health conditions. We utilize a “continuum of care,” which means giving support at every level of recovery, from intensive inpatient treatment to virtual therapy. All of our programs are entry points to the recovery continuum of […]
9 Tips for Recovering Families – Letting Go this Summer
As the 4th of July weekend comes to an end, many of us look forward to enjoying the summer holidays with sun, water fun, and gatherings with loved ones. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the unique challenges that recovering families managing substance use disorders may face during this time. The festivities, which often […]
Excursions in Rehab – 12-Step, Alum, GLAD & Outdoor Group Meetings
Since 2016, Sanford Behavioral Health has prioritized excursions into the community as a vital part of addiction treatment and recovery. Today, at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, recreational therapy, art therapy, and recovery outings provide residents with an opportunity to participate in real-life scenarios in the safety of treatment. Coupled with other evidence-based practices, excursions […]
