Real-Life Recovery with Outpatient Clinical Manager, Ali Kitchin, LMSW

Outpatient addiction treatment at Sanford Behavioral Health gives individuals the support they need while maintaining work, childcare, school, and other responsibilities and routines. Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus Outpatient Center offers individualized addiction recovery programs that work with “real-life” situations. When entering Sanford addiction treatment, each person is assessed to determine their appropriate placement; our […]

Addiction Defenses: Denial, Justification, Deception, Manipulation

I wrote the complete series on people’s dynamics and defenses as they develop a substance use disorder (SUD) for the Sanford Behavioral Health Family Program. The primary defenses used as addiction progresses are denial, justification, deception, and manipulation.   Denial, Justification, Deception, Manipulation For the family members of an individual developing an SUD, these defenses […]

Reflections on Lasting Recovery – Limelight Interview

  At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have invested in our workplace culture to provide a pleasant space for patients to recover and a great place for staff to work. Why? Because a positive workplace culture impacts patient satisfaction and the team’s performance. Today’s Limelight Interview with Substance Use Disorder Program Manager Garrett Dunn, CADC, reflects […]

Avoiding Addiction Treatment – The Back-to-School Excuse

The admissions specialists at Sanford Behavioral Health have heard every excuse in the book for avoiding addiction treatment. A person calls for information about Sanford’s programs, but “for future reference because it is not a convenient time.” During the holidays, there are mandatory work or family get-togethers. School is letting out in spring, or there […]

A Day in the Life of Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Have you ever wondered what outpatient addiction treatment is like? Have you or a loved one considered getting help with alcohol or drug misuse but were afraid to call a treatment center because of the unknowns? Perhaps your schedule does not allow for a residential stay. Many options exist for treating drug or alcohol use […]

Outpatient Programs for Busy Lifestyles

With growth comes change, and at Sanford Behavioral Health, we have experienced quiet, steady growth since 2015 by listening to the needs of the community we serve. We are ready to address today’s busy lifestyles with flexible physical spaces and expanding outpatient and telehealth programs for eating disorders (ED), substance use disorders (SUD), and co-occurring […]

Intensive Outpatient Programs – Tips for Staying on Track

Outpatient addiction treatment at Sanford Behavioral Health gives individuals the support they need while maintaining daily responsibilities and routines. Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus outpatient center offers individualized addiction recovery programs that work in “real life.” When entering a Sanford program, each person is assessed to determine their appropriate placement; the goal is to select […]

6 Reasons a Michigan Summer is Good for Mental Health

Michigan summer feels hopeful and restorative. Green is the color of life, nature, renewal, and energy. The color green is also associated with fertility, growth, and harmony.  Blue stands for serenity, stability, inspiration, wisdom, and health. So, what better place to explore than Pure Michigan now that summer is here with all its shades of […]

Michigan summer - Onaway state park

Summer Holidays – Tips for Recovering Families

The 4th of July is upon us – the apex of the summer holidays. And although we love the sun and water fun, we understand that families managing substance use disorders can experience heightened anxiety levels during this time. The sound of fireworks can trigger those with PTSD and anxiety. The coolers stocked with cold […]

Seasonal Allergies and Mental Health

  For those who live in Michigan, spring is a welcome reprieve from a long, dormant winter. Unfortunately, however, the beautiful buds, flowers, and green leaves come with seasonal allergies for millions of Americans. Sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and itching can bring a dark cloud to spring’s splendor. The physical signs are apparent, but a […]

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