The Hidden Connection: How People Pleasing Fuels Substance Abuse

People pleasing behaviors significantly increase the risk of developing substance use disorders, with research revealing that individuals exhibiting excessive accommodation face 1.4 to 1.8 times higher odds of substance abuse. The clinical evidence is compelling: 60-80% of individuals with substance-using family members display codependent behaviors, and treatment centers report that 40-60% of clients entering addiction treatment exhibit significant people pleasing patterns.

Yeshaia Blakeney, co-founder of Recover Integrity addiction treatment program, describes the pattern he observes: "A lot of people that you find coming into recovery have felt that they've been living for the world and they don't really get theirs. The metaphor for me is like, I do everything I'm supposed to do during the day [for others] and at night, I hide in the closet and drink vodka and smoke meth... that's for me, the rest of its for the world."

This connection emerges through emotion dysregulation, social anxiety self-medication, and boundary dysfunction—creating a perfect storm where substances become the private refuge from public performance.

National Recovery Month: Celebrating Progress and Building Hope

National Recovery Month, observed every September, is dedicated to promoting and supporting evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. Through events, education, and community involvement, it fosters hope and works to dismantle social stigma. This month-long initiative emphasizes the power of peer support and professional resources to improve outcomes for individuals and families navigating substance use disorders and mental health challenges.

Why Intelligence Doesn't Shield Us from Addiction

We often assume that intelligence acts as a protective barrier against life's pitfalls, yet many brilliant minds find themselves struggling with substance dependence. This isn't a contradiction—it's a complex reality rooted in the very traits that make someone exceptionally bright.

The path to recovery for gifted individuals requires more than traditional approaches. It demands specialized dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both the addiction and the underlying mental health conditions that often co-occur with high IQ—anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Most importantly, it requires understanding that the same analytical mind that contributed to the problem can become the foundation for lasting healing.

Continue reading to discover the specialized treatment approaches that help intelligent individuals transform their greatest vulnerabilities into their strongest assets for recovery...

Dunham House provides compassionate, comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment in the heart of Quebec's Eastern Townships. As the province's only English-speaking residential treatment center, we offer personalized, evidence-based care through innovative therapies including art, music, yoga, and equine-assisted programs. Our holistic approach extends beyond residential services with outpatient support in Montreal, ensuring a complete continuum of care for lasting recovery and wellness.

Dunham House provides compassionate, comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment in the heart of Quebec's Eastern Townships. As the province's only English-speaking residential treatment center, we offer personalized, evidence-based care through innovative therapies including art, music, yoga, and equine-assisted programs. Our holistic approach extends beyond residential services with outpatient support in Montreal, ensuring a complete continuum of care for lasting recovery and wellness.