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 with […]
Letting Go in Family Recovery (Happy Thanksgiving!)
Once again, it’s the holiday season with a tradition of gathering and gift-giving to folks you care about! And Thanksgiving is the time we count our blessings and express gratitude – all part of the recovery process! At Sanford Behavioral Health, we care about our clients and Excursions readers and have a little practical […]
Living Sober for My Kids
I had one of those classic “couldn’t do this if I was still boozing” parenting moments the other day. Our nine-year-old had a friend over for a sleepover late in the evening. At around 9:30 p.m., we were interrupted in the living room by a little boy in tears saying, “I want to go home!” […]
Avoiding the Whack-a-Mole Eating Disorder Game
I’ve never liked the carnival game whack-a-mole. Bashing heads with a cartoon hammer while an endless succession of new rodents appears. It is too stressful and unpredictable. But I could relate when a friend in recovery said they thought eating disorders, popping up during addiction treatment, reminded them of playing whack-a-mole. Because just when […]
The Effects of Alcohol on the Whole Body
Whenever I think of the ill effects of alcohol and drugs on the body, I think of the 1980s Partnership for a Drug-Free America campaign with the egg. This is your brain (hold up a pristine egg). This is drugs (grease bubbling in a frying pan). And this is your brain on drugs (crack […]
Sanford Behavioral Health Earns Prestigous Blue Distinction
[Grand Rapids, Michigan 9/15/2022] Sanford Behavioral Health is proud to announce it has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery at its Sanford House at Cherry Street for Women, and Sanford House at John Street for Men facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association […]
Recovery Summit 2022 – Limelight Interview
It is National Recovery Month, and what better time to interview representatives from St. Claire County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH). They are an organization that exemplifies the best in community mental health support and partnership. We sat down with Executive Director, Debra Johnson, and Karen Zultak, CCBHC Project Director, to talk about their 3rd […]
Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Tour
The purpose of residential eating disorder treatment is to provide structure, safety and accountability with 24/7 nursing and clinical support. This degree of support reduces the harmful effects of eating disorders efficiently and starts individuals on their recovery path. We understand that the needs of each person seeking treatment are unique, and we work […]
Anorexia Nervosa – When Is It Time for Residential Treatment?
Anorexia Nervosa Is the refusal of food/nutrition, along with an obsessional fear of gaining weight or “becoming fat”. This results in a disturbance in the way body image is seen and experienced. In other words, the individual with anorexia not only believes their body is larger than it is, but they also experience it […]
Ask Rae: How to Choose an Addiction Treatment Center?
Dear Rae: My wife’s addiction and mental health issues have gotten out of hand. It is impacting our quality of life, and our children’s lives. But I am overwhelmed by the options for treatment. How do I find the best addiction treatment center for her? And how do I know what she needs? Also, we […]
