two women talk to each other the couch and one of them women is establishing boundaries for herself

How to Set Boundaries in Addiction Recovery

As the family program facilitator at Sanford Behavioral Health, I spend a lot of time helping loved ones establish boundaries. Establishing healthy boundaries is possible in family recovery. Establishing boundaries is essential to effectively work with a loved one with a substance use disorder (SUD). Healthy boundaries are at the heart of any positive relationship […]

6 Family Activities for the New Year

  The year is coming to a close, and it’s time to celebrate the arrival of a new year with family and friends. Whether you like to ring in the New Year with festive traditions or prefer quieter family activities, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate this special occasion safely and inclusively. Are […]

a group of young adults holding sparklers while outside participating in one of the many rewarding family activities for new years

Could Parenting Styles Cause Eating Disorders?

  Research has shown that children and youth who diet are much more likely to develop eating disorders. In fact, the earlier that dieting begins, the more likely a significant eating disorder can occur. Body positivity begins at home; parenting styles can help to develop body positivity naturally.   It is normal and expected that […]

outpatient addiction treatment man and woman

What is the One Gift Your Family Will Not Return?

The Season of Hope and Family Recovery This is the season of hope, joy, and the giving of gifts to honor that hope and joy.  A season of this type applies to all people who practice traditions of their culture or faith. I am the Family Program for Addiction Treatment facilitator at Sanford Behavioral Health. […]

Disney World Can Wait – All Inclusive Ticket to Family Wellness

  Book Now: All Inclusive Ticket to Family Education & Wellness! The Family Program at Sanford Behavioral Health has been seven years in the making. Programs designed for our clients’ loved ones were created (and improved year-by-year) to include loved ones during treatment and beyond. Family wellness and involvement are essential components of a healthy […]

Families Recovering Together Against Addiction

The family program at Sanford Behavioral Health was created to include our patients and their loved ones in the treatment process and beyond. At Sanford Behavioral Health, family involvement is crucial to a healthy, long-term recovery. And during this time, we are offering our family programs on virtual platforms. Our recovering together program is focused […]

a woman smiles while hugging a man and a young child hugs the woman hugging the man showing a family recovering together

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 […]

10 Tips for a Sober Holiday

  My family has a legend we talk about from my non-sober holidays past. It’s about the time “Mom,” with a bottle of chardonnay coursing through her system, put hot stuffing into a Pyrex bowl. And while the rest of the Thanksgiving meal was sliced, mashed, and dolloped into serving dishes, I attempted to keep […]

a woman hands a gift to her friend while spending the sober holidays with a group of her friends

Alcohol-Free for One Month – Health Benefits

  We are winding down the 4th of July weekend with parties and firework displays and alcohol in every cooler. For those in recovery, weathering another holiday rife with temptation is par for the course. For those waking with another hangover or who just feel like they’ve over indulged, we’d like to offer a challenge. […]

alcohol-free man with sparkler

Stigma Busting! Education is Key in Family Recovery

  In December of 2021, Sanford Founder, Rae Green and I delivered a presentation to Washtenaw Families Against Narcotics (WFAN). One element of that presentation was a discussion related to relapse. We introduced the concept of calling it a recurrence instead of relapse as part of our section on stigma busting addiction and co-occurring disorders […]

stigma busting group on beach