The Intersection of Single Mothers and Addiction
The article discusses the unique challenges single mothers face that make them vulnerable to addiction (financial strain, emotional overload, social isolation, trauma, and biological factors). It outlines significant barriers to seeking treatment, such as the lack of childcare, high financial cost, fear of losing child custody, and intense social stigma. Finally, the article advocates for […]
Barriers to Addiction Treatment for Moms (and How to Help)
The journey to recovery for mothers with substance use disorder is often impeded by significant emotional and logistical hurdles, primarily the intense fear of state intervention (DCF/CPS) and the challenge of finding affordable, reliable childcare. The article details these barriers and offers actionable advice for both mothers seeking help and their loved ones, recommending solutions […]
How Using a Ropes Course Helps Substance Abuse Recovery
Adventure therapy, particularly using ropes courses, is an effective hands-on approach for substance abuse recovery that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. These challenge courses foster essential life skills like problem-solving, emotional regulation, and communication by providing a dynamic environment for building trust, resilience, and group cohesion. Physical activity and achievement help rebuild healthy reward pathways […]
What Is Ibogaine?
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid from the West African Tabernanthe iboga plant that is being researched as a potential addiction interrupter, particularly for opioid use disorder, by interacting with multiple neurotransmitter systems and promoting neuroplasticity to reset the brain’s reward system. While studies suggest ibogaine treatment can significantly reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, its […]
How Can Cardio & Exercise Therapy Support Addiction Recovery?
Aerobic exercise is described as “nature’s antidepressant” and a powerful ally in addiction recovery because it promotes neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself by stimulating the same reward pathways previously affected by substances. Cardio and exercise therapy rebuild brain chemistry by naturally stimulating dopamine production and releasing endorphins, which helps restore the brain’s reward system, […]
Life on Life’s Terms: When Life Still Comes at You in Recovery
This article emphasizes that life’s challenges, or “life on life’s terms,” do not stop during sobriety, making true recovery a winding path that requires resilience. It defines living life on life’s terms as accepting reality and facing challenges without numbing pain through substances, focusing on developing healthy sober coping mechanisms. To navigate common setbacks like […]
How Service in Recovery Helps Keep You Sober
Service in recovery, which includes sober volunteering and peer mentoring, is a powerful tool for maintaining long-term sobriety by building a new, positive identity based on connection and contribution. This service work helps “rewire” the brain by providing a healthy, sustainable source of reward by boosting dopamine and oxytocin, which combats isolation, reduces stress, and […]
Alcohol, Gender Bias & the Telescoping Effect
The telescoping effect refers to the observation that women with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often experience a compressed timeline from their first drink to the development of dependence and severe health consequences compared to men. This accelerated progression is attributed to a complex mix of biological factors—including gender differences in alcohol metabolism and hormonal influences—and […]
The Power of SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a science-based, self-empowering, and secular program designed to help individuals overcome substance use and various behavioral addictions. This non-12-step approach utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a 4-Point Program (Motivation, Coping with Urges, Managing Thoughts/Feelings/Behaviors, and Lifestyle Balance) to provide practical, evidence-based recovery tools. By focusing on behavioral […]
What Is Full Body Acupuncture?
Full body acupuncture is a complementary therapy for drug and alcohol addiction recovery, differing from ear acupuncture by strategically placing needles across the entire body to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy). It offers a comprehensive and holistic recovery experience by promoting nervous system regulation, providing withdrawal symptom relief, supporting emotional release for trauma, […]
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 […]
