Lead Changes Recovery Center

09/01/2026

🧠 Why Does Addiction Keep Coming Back?

One of the most important things we can do in addiction recovery is learn to look beyond the behavior.

It can be easy to think that if someone simply stops drinking, using drugs, or engaging in another addictive behavior, the problem is solved.

But what happens when the reason the behavior became necessary is still there?

Addiction often serves a function. For some people, it provides temporary relief from:

• Stress and overwhelm
• Trauma or painful experiences
• Anxiety or fear
• Loneliness and disconnection
• Shame and guilt
• Feeling like they aren’t enough
• A lack of safety or control
• Emotional or physical pain
• Feelings they don’t know how to manage

The substance or behavior may have become a way to cope, escape, numb, connect, or simply get through the day.

That doesn’t mean the behavior isn’t harmful. It means sustainable recovery requires us to understand what the behavior was doing for the person — and then develop healthier ways to meet those needs.

This is why recovery is about more than just stopping.

It’s about learning:

What am I feeling?
What do I need?
What triggers me?
What helps me feel safe?
How can I cope differently?
Who can I connect with?

At Lead Changes Recovery & Equine Assisted Therapy Center, we believe people deserve to be understood—not defined by their addiction.

Recovery can involve addressing substance use while also working on coping skills, relationships, boundaries, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, trauma, family dynamics, and the underlying needs that contribute to addictive patterns.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

🐴 Individual Addiction Counseling
🐴 Substance Use Evaluations
🐴 Relapse Prevention
🐴 DOT SAP Services
🐴 Family Support & Education
🐴 Equine-Assisted Therapy & Wellbeing Coaching
🐴 Life & Wellbeing Coaching

Appointments are available in person or through Telehealth, including evenings and weekends.

📞 406-939-1263

Licensed in Montana & North Dakota

Heal. Grow. Change. One step at a time.
Recovery is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.

08/22/2026

🚨 FIRST RESPONDERS: TAKE A MOMENT TO GROUND YOURSELF.

The job can ask a lot from you.

Calls, accidents, emergencies, difficult conversations, long shifts, constant vigilance, and the responsibility of taking care of everyone else can leave your nervous system running on high alert.

Sometimes you don’t need to “fix” everything in the moment. You just need to come back to the present.

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise:

👀 5 things you can SEE
Notice colors, shapes, light, and details around you.

✋ 4 things you can TOUCH
Notice temperature, texture, pressure, or the feeling of your feet on the ground.

👂 3 things you can HEAR
Listen intentionally to the sounds around you—near and far.

👃 2 things you can SMELL
Notice two scents, even if they are subtle.

👅 1 thing you can TASTE
Notice the taste in your mouth or take a drink and really pay attention to it.

Then take a slow breath.

You are safe. You are here. You belong.

Grounding isn’t about pretending the stress didn’t happen. It’s a tool for helping your body and mind recognize that you are in this moment—not back in the call, the scene, the argument, or the difficult situation.

At Lead Changes Recovery, we understand that first responder life can affect more than just the person wearing the uniform. As the wife of a law-enforcement officer with 23 years in the profession, I understand the stress, demands, schedules, and lifestyle—and how those demands can affect the entire family.

We work with law enforcement, first responders, adults, youth, and families through a variety of services, including addiction counseling, substance use evaluations, relapse prevention, life and wellbeing coaching, and equine-assisted services.

Appointments are available in person or through Telehealth, including evenings and weekends. Equine sessions are available but are never required to work with Lead Changes.

📞 406-939-1263

Heal. Grow. Change. One step at a time.
Recovery is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.

08/15/2026

🌿 Cannabis can affect people in ways they may not expect.

Have you ever heard of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?

A recent study highlighted by George Washington University looked at people experiencing CHS—a condition associated with frequent, long-term cannabis use that can cause recurrent nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.

Some of the findings are important:

🔹 85% of people surveyed reported at least one emergency department visit related to their symptoms.
🔹 44% reported at least one hospitalization.
🔹 Daily cannabis use was very common among those experiencing CHS.
🔹 Earlier initiation of cannabis use was associated with higher odds of emergency department visits.

One of the challenges with CHS is that people may not initially realize their symptoms could be connected to cannabis use. Emergency treatment can help manage the acute symptoms, but stopping cannabis use is currently the only known way to prevent the recurring episodes.

At Lead Changes Recovery, we believe education matters.

Our goal isn’t to shame people for substance use. It’s to help people understand what is happening, why it may be happening, and what options are available for change.

If cannabis—or another substance—is beginning to interfere with your health, relationships, work, school, or daily life, you don’t have to wait for things to become a crisis before reaching out.

Lead Changes Recovery offers:

🐴 Individual Addiction Counseling
🐴 Substance Use Evaluations
🐴 Relapse Prevention
🐴 Equine-Assisted Therapy & Wellbeing Coaching
🐴 Life & Wellbeing Coaching
🐴 DOT SAP Services
🐴 Family Support & Education

Heal. Grow. Change. One step at a time.
Recovery is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.

Educational information only. If you are experiencing severe or persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical care.

Read the George Washington University article⁠

08/15/2026

Sometimes we already know the answer.

We know what needs to change.
We know the conversation we need to have.
We know the boundary we need to set.
We know the help we need to ask for.
We know the work we need to begin.

But knowing and doing are two very different things.

“The answer you want is in the work you’re avoiding.”

That doesn’t mean change is easy. It doesn’t mean you should simply “try harder.” And it certainly doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out by yourself.

Sometimes the work we avoid is uncomfortable because it asks us to look beneath the behavior—to understand our patterns, our emotions, our relationships, our coping strategies, and the things we may have been using to survive.

At Lead Changes Recovery, we believe real change begins with understanding, connection, and taking the next right step.

Whether you’re working through substance use, recovery, emotional regulation, life changes, relationships, stress, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to do the work alone.

🐴 Individual Addiction Counseling
🐴 Substance Use Evaluations
🐴 Relapse Prevention
🐴 Life & Wellbeing Coaching
🐴 Equine-Assisted Therapy & Wellbeing Coaching
🐴 DOT SAP Services
🐴 Family Support & Education
🐴 Horse Powered Reading & Math Tutoring

Appointments are available in person or through Telehealth, including evenings and weekends.

📞 406-939-1263

Heal. Grow. Change. One Step at a Time.
Recovery is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.

08/09/2026

08/04/2026

💜 Looking for support? You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. 💜

Whether you’re taking the first step toward recovery, rebuilding after a setback, navigating family challenges, helping your child succeed, or simply looking for healthier ways to cope with life’s stressors, Lead Changes Recovery & Equine Assisted Therapy Center is here to walk alongside you.

We know that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a free consultation so you can ask questions, learn about our approach, and decide if Lead Changes Recovery is the right fit for you. Finding the right counselor, coach, or program is an important part of the healing process.

🌿 We are currently accepting new clients!

Our services include:

🐴 Individual Addiction Counseling

🐴 Substance Use Evaluations

🐴 Equine-Assisted Therapy

🐴 Equine Wellbeing Coaching

🐴 Life & Wellbeing Coaching

🐴 Horse Powered Reading®

🐴 Horse Powered Math®

🐴 Relapse Prevention Planning

🐴 DOT SAP Services

🐴 Family Support & Education

Flexible appointment options to fit your schedule:

✅ Licensed in Montana & North Dakota

✅ In-person and Telehealth appointments

✅ Evening and weekend appointments available

✅ Most major insurance accepted

✅ Self-pay and sliding fee scale available

✅ Soon to be state-approved to accept Montana Medicaid

Why choose Lead Changes Recovery?

My name is Leanne Hoagland, and I believe healing happens through connection, education, and compassionate, evidence-based care.

For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of helping people learn, grow, and overcome challenges.

My background includes:
• Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana and North Dakota
• Certified DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
• Certified Equine Specialist through EAGALA since 2009
• Certified Horse Powered Reading® and Horse Powered Math® Facilitator
• Master’s Degree in Agricultural Business
• More than 23 years of teaching experience at both the high school and college levels
• Adult educator since 2001
• Extensive experience working with youth and adults involved with Probation, Child Protective Services, Treatment Court, DUI and MIP offenders, schools, and families navigating difficult life transitions.
• As the wife of a law enforcement officer for over 23 years, I understand many of the unique challenges faced by first responders and their families.

At Lead Changes Recovery, we don’t believe you’re defined by your past. We believe everyone has the capacity to heal, grow, and create meaningful change.

Our approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and evidence-based, incorporating Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the Invitation to Change approach, PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy), and experiential learning through equine-assisted services.

Whether your goals involve recovery, emotional regulation, improving relationships, supporting your child’s learning, building confidence, or creating a healthier future, we’ll work together to develop a plan that meets your unique needs.

💜 Recovery is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to reach out, let this be your sign. Contact us to schedule a consultation. We’d love the opportunity to meet you, answer your questions, and help you decide if Lead Changes Recovery is the right fit for your journey.

Heal. Grow. Change. One step at a time.

08/03/2026

A win for the protection of our youth and North Dakota communities.

Important Notice Regarding Kratom Products in North Dakota 🚨 🚨

Beginning Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., the sale, possession, and use of all kratom and kratom products will be prohibited in North Dakota under Governor Kelly Armstrong's Executive Order declaring a public health emergency.

In addition, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a primary psychoactive compound found in many kratom products, has been classified by the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy as a Schedule I controlled substance. Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance may result in criminal prosecution under North Dakota law. These actions come in response to growing concerns about the health and safety risks associated with kratom and its derivatives, which have been sold without state regulation or a minimum age requirement.

Retailers who sell kratom, 7-OH and kratom products are advised to review existing inventory, work with suppliers to identify and remove affected products, and discontinue purchases from suppliers. For questions, contact the Board of Pharmacy.

Consumers who believe they may be addicted to kratom, 7-OH or other kratom derivatives and are concerned about recovery or withdrawal from the drugs may call or text the DHHS crisis lifeline at 988 or the information and referral helpline at 211.

The Williston Police Department encourages residents to be aware of these changes and to discontinue the purchase or use of kratom products before the order takes effect.

Read the Governor's full press release here: https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/armstrong-wrigley-announce-executive-actions-ban-unregulated-drug-kratom-amid-growing-concerns

08/03/2026

Why Does Addiction Keep Coming Back?

One of the biggest myths about addiction is that recovery is simply about stopping the use of alcohol or drugs.

While abstinence is an important first step, it’s rarely enough on its own.

Many addictive behaviors begin as an attempt to cope with something much deeper. For some, substances provide temporary relief from anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, loneliness, shame, or emotional pain. For others, they offer a sense of control, connection, safety, or escape when life feels overwhelming.

When the substance is removed but the underlying pain remains, the brain naturally searches for relief in familiar ways.

That’s why recovery isn’t simply about removing the substance—it’s about understanding the purpose it served and replacing it with healthier ways to meet those needs.

At Lead Changes Recovery & Equine Assisted Therapy Center, we believe lasting recovery happens when we treat the whole person—not just the addiction.

Our approach is individualized because no two recovery journeys are the same. We combine evidence-based practices with compassionate, person-centered care to help individuals understand the root causes of addictive behaviors, strengthen emotional regulation, build resilience, improve relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Whether someone is taking their first step toward recovery, rebuilding after relapse, navigating family challenges, or working to meet professional requirements, we’re here to provide support every step of the way.

Our services include:

🐴 Individual Addiction Counseling

🐴 Substance Use Evaluations

🐴 Equine-Assisted Therapy & Wellbeing Coaching

🐴 Life & Wellbeing Coaching

🐴 Relapse Prevention Planning

🐴 DOT SAP Services

🐴 Family Support & Education

We are committed to meeting people where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be through trauma-informed, person-centered, evidence-based care that incorporates Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the Invitation to Change approach, and PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy).

Services Available

✅ Licensed in Montana & North Dakota

✅ Most Major Insurance Accepted

✅ TeleMed & In-Person Appointments

✅ Evening & Weekend Appointments

✅ Self-Pay & Sliding Fee Scale Available

✅ Soon to Be State-Approved to Accept Montana Medicaid

Recovery isn’t about becoming a different person.

It’s about understanding yourself, healing what hurts, building new skills, and discovering that lasting change is possible.

At Lead Changes Recovery, we believe healing happens through connection, education, accountability, and hope.

Connection. Growth. A Path to Change.

08/02/2026

Why Does Addiction Keep Coming Back?

One of the biggest misconceptions about addiction is that recovery is simply about stopping the use of alcohol or drugs. While stopping the behavior is an important first step, it’s rarely the whole story.

Substances often serve a purpose. They may provide temporary relief from emotional pain, trauma, anxiety, loneliness, shame, stress, or overwhelm. They can create a false sense of control, connection, safety, or escape when life feels unmanageable.

When the substance is removed but the underlying pain remains unaddressed, the brain naturally seeks relief in the ways it has learned before. That’s why addiction isn’t a failure of willpower—it’s often a sign that deeper healing is still needed.

Recovery isn’t just about asking, “How do I stop using?”
It’s about asking:
💜 What was the addiction helping me cope with?
💜 What needs wasn’t I able to meet in healthy ways?
💜 How can I build new skills that support the life I want to live?

At Lead Changes Recovery & Equine Assisted Therapy Center, we believe lasting recovery happens when we treat the whole person—not just the addiction.

Our approach combines evidence-based counseling with trauma-informed, person-centered care to help individuals:
🐴 Understand the function of addictive behaviors.
🐴 Develop healthy coping skills.
🐴 Build emotional regulation and resilience.
🐴 Heal from underlying trauma and life experiences.
🐴 Strengthen relationships and healthy boundaries.
🐴 Create a meaningful life where substances are no longer needed to cope.

For individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, stress, or feeling disconnected from themselves, our Equine Wellbeing Coaching and Life & Wellbeing Coaching programs offer unique opportunities for growth. Working alongside horses helps individuals increase self-awareness, practice emotional regulation, build confidence, improve communication, and experience healing through connection and experiential learning.

Recovery isn’t about becoming a different person.
It’s about rediscovering who you are underneath the pain.

✨ When we understand the function of addiction—not just the behavior—we create space for lasting healing and sustainable recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Healing is possible, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

💜 Connection. Growth. A Path to Change.

07/29/2026

Recovery Can Feel Worse Before It Feels Better—and That’s Normal. 💜

One of the biggest misconceptions about recovery is that life gets easier the moment someone stops using alcohol or drugs. In reality, many people experience the opposite.

Why?

Because substances often become a way to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, grief, or emotional pain. When those coping strategies are removed, the emotions that were being numbed begin to surface. Your brain and nervous system are learning a new way to function, and that process can feel uncomfortable.

The difficult days don’t mean recovery isn’t working—they often mean that healing has begun.

What happens during “the dip?”

✔️ Old coping strategies no longer work.
✔️ Emotions that have been avoided begin to surface.
✔️ Your nervous system starts adjusting to a healthier baseline.
✔️ You may experience doubt, discomfort, cravings, or the urge to give up.

This stage is temporary, but it can be one of the most important parts of recovery.

What helps?

💜 Stay connected to your support system.
💜 Trust the process, even when progress feels slow.
💜 Practice healthy coping skills instead of returning to old patterns.
💜 Give yourself grace—healing isn’t linear.
💜 Keep showing up, one day at a time.

At Lead Changes Recovery & Equine Therapy Center, we understand that recovery is about more than simply stopping a behavior. It’s about learning to regulate emotions, process experiences, build resilience, and create a life that no longer requires escaping from difficult feelings.

Through evidence-based counseling, trauma-informed, person-centered care, and our Equine Wellbeing Coaching and Life Coaching programs, we help individuals develop the skills needed to navigate “the dip” and continue moving toward lasting recovery. Working alongside our horses offers opportunities to strengthen emotional regulation, build confidence, improve self-awareness, and discover healthier ways to respond to life’s challenges.

Remember:
Recovery isn’t failing because it’s hard.
The discomfort you’re feeling today may be the very thing that leads to freedom tomorrow.

✨ Keep going.
The life you’re building is worth the work.

If you or someone you love is ready to begin the journey, we’re here to walk alongside you.