Women and Alcohol – the Newest Stats

Since 2016, Sanford Behavioral Health has been writing articles about the health hazards associated with women and alcohol. We have warned women that they can’t “drink like men.” We have also listed the biological reasons why women are more susceptible to the ill effects of alcohol. However, new data from the CDC still show that […]

Human Resources (HR) and Recovery – Limelight Interview

Since mid-December, we have been publishing all manner of articles and interviews on hope for 2024. One name that came up several times was Sanford Behavioral Health’s Human Resources Generalist, Sam Domine. Sam is a breath of fresh air; almost six years sober herself, she works within Sanford to advocate for both team members and […]

Women and Alcohol – The Downside

The most recent government data show that from 2019 to 2020, rates of alcohol-induced deaths for females “increased across all age groups for those aged 25 and over.” According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly half of adult women report drinking alcohol. 13% of adult women and 18% of women of child-bearing age […]

Holiday Anxiety – Women Feel It More Than Men

It’s almost the Thanksgiving holiday, a time for gratitude and reminiscence about holidays past, but my memories of Thanksgiving mostly involve my angst-ridden mother bustling about while the rest of the family watched the Macy’s parade and played cards. She used to do this predictable “thing” whenever I would indicate frailty, especially during the holidays. […]

What is Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment?

Sanford Behavioral Health offers comprehensive outpatient eating disorder treatment in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our telehealth programs, which encompass treatment, family, and alumni support, serve all of Michigan and beyond. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to helping individuals learn healthy coping mechanisms and develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies. […]

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Eating Disorders?

The long-term effects of eating disorders can significantly impact your health and mental well-being, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is important. These conditions can negatively alter a person’s life, increasing their risk of serious medical complications and long-term mental health issues. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, consider contacting Sanford Behavioral […]

The Health Benefits of Positive Thinking

  Recently, I was with a group of women in recovery, and I asked everyone what they were grateful for – with a caveat. My car was in the shop, and I felt pessimistic about the looming deductible. I said, “I am grateful for many things, except I’d be more grateful if a tree had […]

Eating Disorders Summer Reading – Best of Excursions

  One of the joys of summer (after a walk in the woods or a paddle in the pool) is to settle in with a cold glass of lemonade and a good book. For those in recovery from eating disorders, reading can be a distraction, an escape, and even an anxiety reliever. Reading a good […]

High-Risk Recovery Situations – What Should I DO?

  The National Council of Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines high-risk recovery situations as “those that threaten your recovery or trigger a strong craving to use substances.”  One of the easiest ways to identify risk is by categorizing situations as people, places, or things.   People, Places, or Things People may be those you have used […]

Recreational Therapy for Eating Disorders – Limelight Interview

Recreational therapy at Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED) is “a bit hard to define,” according to Tori TerAvest, CTRS, and Raina Bawden, CTRS. Both are certified DBT specialists, and Tori is a certified yoga instructor, but they wear many hats. You might find them running process groups, leading a light yoga session, […]