Personal Stories & Accounts
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 […]
What to Expect at Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global, community-based, 12-step program for addiction recovery, established by Jimmy Kinnon in 1953 as an inclusive fellowship for all substance addictions. The program is spiritual, not religious, embracing a “Higher Power” and providing various free, voluntary-participation meetings (open and closed) where members can share their experience, strength, and hope. Are […]
The Hidden Risks of Anti-Anxiety Drugs
The article discusses the hidden risks of anti-anxiety drugs, particularly benzodiazepines, highlighting that while they offer relief, they pose significant dangers like physical dependence, addiction, severe withdrawal, and long-term cognitive effects, especially for individuals with a history of substance abuse. It emphasizes the need to distinguish between physical dependence and addiction, and urges readers to […]
Celebrating a Sober St. Patrick's Day
This article discusses how to enjoy a meaningful and fun St. Patrick’s Day while in recovery by focusing on Irish culture and traditions instead of alcohol. It provides practical tips for navigating the challenges of social pressure, such as planning responses and connecting with a sober support community. The guide also suggests alcohol-free activities like […]
Understanding IOP, PHP, & Outpatient Therapies
The article breaks down the continuum of care for mental health and addiction treatment, differentiating between Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and standard Outpatient Therapy. These options range in intensity and structure, with PHP being the most intensive, IOP offering a flexible, part-time balance, and Outpatient Therapy providing the least intensive support. […]
Grief in Recovery: How to Stay Sober
This guide offers support and practical strategies for maintaining sobriety while navigating the intense and overwhelming pain of grief, which can threaten hard-won recovery. It emphasizes that grieving sober is possible by strengthening your recovery support network, developing healthy coping mechanisms like physical activity and mindfulness, and seeking professional help from a grief-informed addiction therapist. […]
College Cannabis Use Is Rising While Alcohol Use Drops: What Campus Leaders Need to Know
Before diving into this discussion on how cannabis legalization affects students’ academic performance, it’s helpful first to understand my role in this context. I am the Vice President of Educational Partnerships at Mountainside Treatment Center, and my goal is to ensure that no student loses their education to substance use disorder. Students should not have […]
How to Enjoy a Sober Super Bowl Without Alcohol
The Super Bowl, a major cultural event often associated with heavy alcohol consumption, can be challenging for those in recovery; however, enjoying the game without alcohol is now more popular thanks to the “sober curious” movement and the booming non-alcoholic beverage industry. The article offers a guide to having a fantastic, sober Super Bowl, including […]
The Availability and Danger of Nitrous Oxide Use in Young Adults
Recreational nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) use is a growing trend among young adults, fueled by its easy accessibility online and in stores, and normalized by social media. Despite being falsely perceived as safe due to its medical use, inhaling nitrous oxide without medical supervision carries acute risks like sudden death from hypoxia and frostbite, and […]
Dopey: How Drug Stories Sparked a Recovery Community
The Dopey podcast, created by Mountainside alumni Dave and Chris, provides a raw, unfiltered, and often hilarious take on addiction and recovery, initially focusing on “war stories” but evolving into the supportive “Dopey Nation” community. The podcast resonates with thousands who feel isolated by traditional methods by embracing dark comedy and honest storytelling, proving that […]
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a fundamental shift in perspective that recognizes the widespread impact of psychological trauma and integrates this understanding into all aspects of service delivery, moving from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” It operates on six key principles—including safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment—and is guided by the “Four R’s”: Realize, […]
5 Things to Expect in Rehab
Deciding to seek help for addiction is a courageous step, and understanding what to expect in rehab, including the initial assessment and detox process, daily structured schedule, privacy rules, and aftercare planning, can help ease anxiety. A typical rehab journey, often lasting 30 to 90 days, focuses on individual and group therapy, life skills, and […]
