Observing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month
January 2025 marks the inaugural Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a critical initiative aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering support for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD). Spectrum Health Systems is proud to participate in this national effort to shine a light on the possibilities of recovery and the importance of treatment. ...
Board Member Spotlight: Brenda Jenkins
With over 30 years of experience in advocacy and community work, Brenda Jenkins brings a unique and invaluable perspective to Spectrum’s mission of supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges. A Lifelong Commitment to Advocacy Her passion for advocacy began at an early age, inspired by her mother’s own active participation ...
A Letter from Our President: Kurt Isaacson Reflects on 2024
Reflecting on 2024, I'm filled with pride for the incredible individuals and communities that make Spectrum Health Systems the beacon of hope it is today. This past year has brought remarkable achievements, growth, and new opportunities to expand our mission of providing accessible, life-changing treatment. At the core of all this success is ...
Celebrity Recovery Spotlight: Tom Holland
Tom Holland, the beloved Spider-Man star, has captured hearts with his on-screen charisma and candidness about personal challenges. Recently, he opened up about his struggle with alcohol, revealing how he felt enslaved to drinking and how his journey to recovery has transformed his life. Holland’s decision to quit drinking has inspired many, demonstrating the strength ...
Spectrum Recognizes National Recovery Month
Every September, National Recovery Month honors the resilience of individuals in recovery and the dedication of those who provide support and services along the way. Established in 1989, National Recovery Month promotes public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery while providing a platform for success stories that can inspire and offer hope to others ...
Board Member Spotlight: Dr. John Renner
Spectrum Health Systems is honored to spotlight Dr. John Renner, a distinguished board member whose extensive background in addiction psychiatry and unwavering commitment to mental health make him a vital part of Spectrum's mission. A Groundbreaking Legacy John Renner's dedication to addiction psychiatry began in the early 1970s when he took a pioneering role at ...
Spectrum Health Systems Appoints Kristin Nolan as Chief Operating Officer
Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., an innovative non-profit provider of evidence-based treatment for substance use and mental health disorders throughout Massachusetts, today announced Kristin Nolan's appointment as Chief Operating Officer (COO). "Kristin is a visionary leader who has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive positive change at Spectrum," said Kurt Isaacson, president and CEO of Spectrum ...
Observing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month
January 2025 marks the inaugural Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a critical initiative aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering support for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD). Spectrum Health Systems is proud to participate in this national effort to shine a light on the possibilities of recovery and the importance of treatment. ...
Board Member Spotlight: Brenda Jenkins
With over 30 years of experience in advocacy and community work, Brenda Jenkins brings a unique and invaluable perspective to Spectrum’s mission of supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges. A Lifelong Commitment to Advocacy Her passion for advocacy began at an early age, inspired by her mother’s own active participation ...
A Letter from Our President: Kurt Isaacson Reflects on 2024
Reflecting on 2024, I'm filled with pride for the incredible individuals and communities that make Spectrum Health Systems the beacon of hope it is today. This past year has brought remarkable achievements, growth, and new opportunities to expand our mission of providing accessible, life-changing treatment. At the core of all this success is ...
Addressing Racial Disparity in the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities across the United States, but the crisis disproportionately impacts the Black population. While overdose deaths have increased for all groups, the rate among Black Americans is particularly alarming, with significantly higher numbers and faster growth compared to other demographics. A Spike in Black Overdose Deaths Recent CDC (Centers for ...
What’s It Like to Work in Addiction Treatment?
Are you interested in working with individuals with substance use and/or mental health disorder? Seeing the stigma surrounding substance use disorder can make this profession appear daunting, however it can also be incredibly rewarding. Following a career path into addiction treatment and behavioral health, you’ll find yourself among a community dedicated to providing unwavering support. ...
Group vs. Individual Therapy: Finding the Right Recovery Fit
In your recovery journey, finding the right support system is crucial. Two pillars of that support system are individual and group therapy, each offering unique benefits and challenges. Choosing between them, or even incorporating both, can be intimidating for someone navigating the path to healing. Understanding the Individual Experience Individual therapy provides a dedicated space ...
The Key Role of Addiction Treatment Services in the Justice System
Despite widespread understanding of the disease model of addiction, substance use is still perceived as a criminal act. Every year, 1.16 million Americans are arrested for the sale, manufacture, or possession of illicit substances. Incarceration is a common punishment for drug-related crimes, with the National Institutes of Health estimating that 65% of the U.S. prison ...
A Letter from Our President: Kurt Isaacson Reflects on 2023
2023 was a year of remarkable progress and achievements at Spectrum Health Systems. We took numerous strides toward our goal of making treatment more accessible for the most vulnerable populations while continuing to look for ways to retain and recruit staff that make it all possible. One of Spectrum’s proudest achievements came in February when ...
Twelve-Step and Non-Twelve-Step Meetings: Which is Right for You?
Twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are some of the most popular formats of addiction recovery meetings. These programs are based on a broad concept of spirituality and encourage members to work through a series of steps to solidify their recovery. While many people have found long-term recovery through twelve-step programs, ...
