The Closure of MUHC’s Addiction Psychiatry Program: Dunham House’s Anthony Berger Weighs in On What This Means for Montreal’s Anglophone Community
MUHC's Addiction Psychiatry Program Shuts Down: Implications for Montreal’s English-Speaking Population
The MUHC recently announced the planned closure of its Addiction Psychiatry Program (also known as Edward Griffiths) in the latter half of 2024. For many individuals battling addiction, this program was a critical lifeline, offering essential services and support. It’s closure has sparked both concern and controversy, prompting a bigger discussion about the accessibility of mental health and addiction recovery services for Montreal’s anglophone population.
It’s with this in mind that Shawn Apel, CBC radio host of Radio Noon Quebec, hosted a discussion that addressed a pressing question: “do we have enough resources for people dealing with addiction in Quebec?”. Anthony Berger, Dunham House’s clinical supervisor, was invited to weigh in on the issue as the guest of the hour.
Impending Closure of the MUHC’s Addiction Psychiatry Program in December 2024
The decision to close the MUHC’s Addiction Psychiatry Program was especially surprising because of the current state of mental health in Quebec: the province continues to grapple with an opioid crisis and its aftereffects, such as the rise of homelessness. Despite efforts from Montreal-based mental health and addiction recovery advocates to convince the MUHC to reconsider, the decision appears final. The MUHC has not given any interviews on the topic, nor do they have plans to make a formal announcement beyond the internal memo in which the information was initially released. This lack of explicit communication has left many patients in the dark about the closure, exacerbating their stress and anxiety.
With a planned closure at the end of December, the program will be shut down in a step-wise fashion. The MUHC closed their waitlist for elective detox admissions as of mid-June, and will continue scaling back services, such as their addiction day program and outpatient groups, through the end of 2024.
Upon closure, those who depend on these services will be left somewhat stranded. The official memo states that “patients requiring primary addiction services will be reoriented to community programs and those with complex cases will be referred to the CHUM” - a French-language hospital in Montreal. However, this move further reduces access to services for English-speakers struggling with mental health and addiction.
A Critical Loss for Anglophone Patients Struggling with Addiction and Mental Health
The closure of the MUHC program has particular ramifications for Montreal’s Anglophone community. Historically, this demographic has faced challenges in accessing adequate healthcare services, and the MUHC program was one of the few resources available for English-speaking patients, including those from North Quebec and First Nations communities.
In his interview with CBC, Anthony Berger described the Addiction Psychiatry Program’s closure as “yet another knock at English-speaking services in Montreal.” It’s the latest in a long list of anglophone services to be scaled back, discontinued, or transferred to a French-speaking super hospital. While the latter might seem like a good solution in theory, it does little for individuals who are already struggling to manage their mental health and interpersonal issues in their own language, let alone in a second language.
This is especially critical for individuals facing concurrent disorders. Many individuals suffering from addiction also experience chronic mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. This makes their recovery process even more challenging, especially without the necessary community and resources surrounding them.
The MUHC’s Addiction Psychiatry Program was a cornerstone for those struggling with addiction, providing crucial services such as detoxification and therapeutic support in the heart of the city. Because even with some individuals choosing to undergo a residential treatment program outside the city - such as the one offered by Dunham House - they need access to support upon their return. Ongoing resources, such as group counselling, peer support sessions and 1:1 therapy are all critical to sustainable recovery.
The Impact of the Addiction Psychiatry Program’s Closure
Despite the gradual shut-down of the program, the Addiction Psychiatry Program’s closure will will have far-reaching impact for Montreal’s mental health and addiction community. Patients currently undergoing treatment will experience disruptions, as will the community of alumni and treatment programs that rely on the MUHC as a leader in evidence-based recovery.
Additionally, despite assurances from the MUHC that alternative services are available, there is skepticism about their adequacy. Past experiences with similar closures and the challenges faced by patients in accessing services cast doubt on whether these alternatives will be sufficient to meet the needs of the affected anglophone population. M. Pierre Hurteau, Vice President of the Conseil pour la protection des malades, has voiced strong objections to the decision. Hurteau argues that the closure further marginalizes an already underserved group and exacerbates existing inequities in healthcare access. His concerns underscore the broader issue of healthcare disparity, where English-speaking individuals may face increased difficulty in accessing necessary services.
The closure of the MUHC drug addiction program highlights ongoing issues within Quebec’s healthcare system, particularly related to healthcare equity and resource allocation. For patients, the loss of this program represents not just the end of a service but a potential setback in their recovery journey. Public outcry, including appeals from Mayor Valérie Plante, serves as a reminder of the critical need for a robust and accessible support system for individuals facing mental health struggles and addiction.
Access to English-Speaking Mental Health and Addiction Resources in Quebec: Meet Dunham House
With the impending closure of English-speaking mental health and addiction resources, access to support is more critical than ever. Dunham House, based in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, is well-positioned to offer vital assistance and address some of the gaps left by this decision. By continuously expanding its capacity and range of services - including a Family Program (registration now open for Fall cohorts) and outpatient services in Montreal - Dunham House can help meet the increased demand resulting from the program’s closure.
Specializing in dual diagnosis, Dunham House is dedicated to treating individuals who suffer from both mental health disorders and substance use issues. Our integrated treatment approach addresses the complex interplay between these conditions, ensuring comprehensive and holistic care. Endorsed by leading experts in mental health and addiction treatment, our programs are grounded in the latest clinical research, enabling us to treat a range of complex conditions simultaneously and reduce the long-term risk of relapse.
We serve individuals aged 18 and over, including both men and women. Our facility offers a variety of on-site services, such as daily workshops, individual and group counselling, and therapeutic activities like pottery, yoga, and music therapy. And, later this summer, we are excited to launch our own horticultural therapy program, further enhancing the therapeutic environment at Dunham House.
Our outpatient program, which opened its doors in January 2024, offers ongoing therapy at the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex near downtown Montreal. These programs provide critical support for individuals transitioning from residential care or those needing ongoing mental health and addiction services without requiring full-time residency.
By providing a comprehensive continuum of care, Dunham House remains committed to supporting the mental health and addiction recovery needs of the English-speaking community in Quebec. For more information about our programs or to get started on your path to recovery, please visit our website or contact us directly: contact@dunhamhouse.ca
About Dunham House
Located in Quebec's Eastern Townships, Dunham House is a residential treatment centre specializing in mental health and addiction. We are the only residential facility of our kind in Quebec that operates in English.
Our evidence-based treatment programs include a variety of therapeutic activities such as art, music, yoga, and equine-assisted therapy. In addition to our residential services, we offer a full continuum of care with outpatient services at the Queen Elizabeth Complex in Montreal.
Click here more information about our programs and admissions.