When your mind feels overwhelmed in sobriety, it’s not a personal failing—it’s a sign you need support, not more pressure. At Dunham House, we understand that emotional distress like sadness, anxiety, or numbness can quickly threaten recovery, especially for those facing dual diagnosis. Often, the instinct is to escape these feelings, whether by avoiding them or returning to substances, but this only deepens the cycle of distress.

Our clinical team sees unhealthy coping as a common hurdle. Whether it’s using substances, zoning out, or compulsive behaviors, these habits offer only temporary relief while reinforcing the very patterns that drive anxiety, depression, and addiction. That’s why our integrated treatment combines the latest therapeutic approaches—CBT, DBT, medication management, and trauma-informed care—to help you name, manage, and move through emotions in a healthier way.

At Dunham House, we equip clients with evidence-based skills: pausing to identify emotions, grounding with your senses, practicing mindful breathing, and choosing actions in line with your values. These tools, along with compassionate therapy, peer support, and a safe inpatient setting, help break the cycle of shame and isolation. Recovery is possible—and with the right support, you can move from feeling overwhelmed to truly managing your mental health and building a lasting, meaningful sober life.

Thanksgiving can be one of the most challenging times for individuals in recovery. The three-day October long weekend concentrates family gatherings, increases exposure to alcohol, and intensifies emotional triggers—all while seasonal changes affect mood and energy levels. But with the right preparation, you can navigate this holiday sober and strong.

Your Thanksgiving recovery toolkit should include more than just willpower. From non-alcoholic beverages that honor seasonal traditions to a clear exit strategy for overwhelming gatherings, having tangible supports in place makes all the difference. A sober buddy, gratitude journal, self-care essentials, and a list of crisis contacts aren't signs of weakness—they're smart planning that protects your sobriety when triggers arise.

The 8-Year Wait: Why Stigma Delays Recovery

People wait an average of eight years between first experiencing mental health or addiction symptoms and seeking treatment. Eight years of unnecessary suffering.

Why? Stigma. Fear of judgment. Shame. Worry about what others will think.

The cost is real: worsening symptoms, damaged relationships, preventable crises.

At Dunham House, we've created a stigma-free environment for dual-diagnosis treatment. No judgment. Just compassionate, integrated care for mental health and addiction.

Recovery begins when we replace shame with support.

Don't wait eight more years. Contact Dunham House today.

Women's addiction treatment programs are vital for addressing the distinct paths women take to substance use disorders and cultivating enduring sobriety. This guide delves into the gender-specific biological, psychological, and social factors that shape how addiction manifests in women. It explores common co-occurring mental health conditions, emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care, identifies obstacles to treatment, and highlights the advantages of women-only recovery settings. The specific impacts of opioids, alcohol, and stimulants on women are examined, illustrating how Dunham House integrates gender-specific and trauma-informed support for better outcomes—encouraging both admissions and donations.

Discover how integrating exercise into dual diagnosis treatment at Dunham House can accelerate recovery, boost mental wellness, and support long-term sobriety. Explore the latest evidence on fitness routines for addiction and mental health, plus expert tips on making movement a cornerstone of your healing journey.

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.