Why Joy Without Substances Feels Uncomfortable at First
For many entering addiction recovery, activities that are supposed to feel enjoyable, like socializing with others, relaxing, or even picking up a hobby, can initially feel flat or uncomfortable. This experience is common in early recovery, and it can lead to questioning whether life without substances will ever feel fulfilling again. These feelings are a ...
Why Internship Programs are Critical to the Future of Addiction Treatment
Across behavioral health, organizations face mounting workforce pressures. Graduate school enrollment in behavioral health disciplines has dipped in recent years, driven by the rising cost of advanced education. At the same time, more treatment programs are opening, increasing competition for a limited talent pool. If addiction treatment providers want a sustainable workforce, they must help ...
Spectrum Employee Spotlight: Shanna Campbell
In honor of Black History Month, Spectrum Health Systems is proud to highlight team members whose leadership and compassion strengthen the care we provide every day. One of those leaders is Shanna Campbell, Program Director of Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS), whose hands-on approach and deep understanding of addiction’s impact on families help shape meaningful recovery ...
Board Member Spotlight: Dr. James Celestin
With a career rooted in medicine, psychiatry, and pain management, Dr. James Celestin brings a deeply compassionate, service-oriented perspective to his role on Spectrum Health Systems’ Board. As a physician who has spent years caring for individuals navigating addiction alongside chronic pain and mental health challenges, Dr. Celestin views recovery as a medical process and ...
Spectrum Health Systems Strengthens Management Team with Laura Montoya’s Promotion to Executive HR Director
Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., an innovative non-profit provider of evidence-based treatment for substance use and mental health disorders, today announced the promotion of Laura Montoya to Executive Director of Human Resources. In this role, Montoya will help execute the organization’s human resources strategy, supporting continued growth and strengthening the organization’s workforce as it expands services ...
Developing Your Personal Trigger Management Plan in Early Addiction Recovery
In early addiction recovery, triggers are a regular part of the process. While many people hope they can avoid triggers altogether, life does not stop presenting challenges once addiction recovery begins. Learning how to recognize, prepare for, and respond to triggers is a critical skill that supports long-term recovery. Developing a personal trigger management plan ...
Board Member Spotlight: Dr. Jeroan Allison
With decades of experience in medicine, research, and community health, Dr. Jeroan Allison brings expertise and compassion to his Spectrum Health Systems’ Board Member role. His life’s work centers on promoting health equity and ensuring that marginalized and underserved populations receive the care they deserve. Advancing Medicine, Research, and Community Health Born and raised in ...
Celebrity Recovery Story: Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors and filmmakers, has long been open about his struggle with alcohol use disorder. His journey, marked by early success, personal challenges, periods of recovery, and relapse, highlights the complicated nature of addiction and the strength it takes to seek help. By speaking openly about his experiences, Affleck ...
Asking for Help is the Turning Point of Addiction Recovery
Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do when addiction has left you feeling overwhelmed or alone. While it may feel safer to keep your struggles to yourself, the walls we build to protect us from shame or judgment often become the same walls that isolate us from healing. Addiction thrives ...
A Letter from Our President: Kurt Isaacson Reflects on 2025
Reflecting on 2025, one message rises above the rest: We are not slowing down. Despite ongoing uncertainty in the world around us, Spectrum Health Systems continues to move forward, expanding our services, deepening our community impact, and reaffirming our commitment to providing accessible, life-changing treatment. We’ve never let turbulence stand in our way, and this ...
