Blaise R: The Willingness to Walk Through the Door – April 2026 Alumni Spotlight

When I walked into Mountainside for the first time, I was overwhelmed with shame and uncertainty. I didn’t really understand what recovery was, and if I’m being honest, I wasn’t fully committed to it yet. This wasn’t the way that my life was supposed to go, but I also knew I couldn’t keep living the way I had been. I felt stuck in this place of wanting things to change, but being too afraid to actually let go of what was familiar. That fear kept me isolated for a long time.

I still remember how scared I was my first night in detox until I met Erika, who did my intake with me. The way she treated me—with kindness, patience, and no judgment—helped me feel a little less alone. That moment has always stuck with me, especially now whenever I am sitting with a client. As I continued through residential, I started to experience that same kind of connection from others who were just like me, struggling but wanting to get better. Being surrounded by other addicts and alcoholics is where I began to finally feel truly accepted.

What made Mountainside different for me was how much everyone there cared about me getting better. They cared about who I was and what I was going through, even when I wasn’t fully open or ready to do the work. I have to give credit to my clinicians, Ariana, Ed, Marissa, and so many others who took the time to meet me where I was at and walk with me through this journey. I began to realize that recovery wasn’t something I had to have all figured out—it was something I just had to be willing to try, regardless of how terrifying or hard it could be. I’ve learned to be more honest with myself, ask for help, and stay present instead of running.

If I could say anything to someone thinking about coming to treatment, it would be this: give yourself the chance you deserve and see how your life can change. Just being willing to walk through the door is enough. For me, that willingness ended up changing everything.