Nina M – Hope, Healing, and a Brighter Future

The actual definition of recovery is getting something back. I got myself back thanks to Mountainside. On September 22^nd, 2024, my brother flew up from Florida to bring me here. It was my first time going to rehab and I was met with an abundance of emotions. I felt as though nothing could cure me from the crippling depression and anxiety I was festering inside. Boy, was I wrong. I was a creature of habit, albeit bad habits, which led me here, and Mountainside opened my eyes to a new way of life. I was given hope that maybe even I could have a bright future one day.

I was admitted into Detox, and after I made the decision to attend the full Residential Program. This ended up being the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I took it seriously and leaned into all that Mountainside had to offer. I made connections with my clinicians and fellow residents which helped kick-start my sober community. I was introduced to Recovery Dharma at Mountainside and now am a member of the West Hartford Recovery Dharma and just hosted my first retreat. Family Wellness strengthened my bond with my brother, a relationship that I never could have imagined like it is today. Continuing Care helped me find an IOP program for after which I completed and broadened my sober network even more. I partake in Alumni events and am still in contact with many people from my time here. I try every month to attend the Friday Mountainside AA meetings because walking through these doors now gives me a sense of comfort. It was a full circle moment on September 26^th, 2025, days after I celebrated my one year of sobriety. My brother flew up from Florida yet again to come to Mountainside, but this time, to watch me speak at the Friday Mountainside AA meeting as I received my one-year coin.

Mountainside helped me untangle myself, which at times can be hard, uncomfortable and ­­­­sometimes even ugly. I never thought I deserved happiness. Surely doing drugs and alcohol wouldn’t privy me to a life well lived, but it did. I am now happier than ever and forever grateful for Mountainside and their resources which helped me reach one year of sobriety and counting…