Mountainside’s story is not just one story, but many: of how we started from a small idea between two friends and have grown to be an award-winning institution across the Northeast. It is the story of how a dedicated group of people, who we are very proud to call our team, has joined together each day to provide best-in-class care for our valued clients. And it is the story of the many lives that we have had the honor to fill with hope and healing, to help transform from darkness and isolation to light, laughter and love.

Stories of Transformation
Our favorite way to celebrate? Listening to the truly inspirational stories of lives transformed through treatment. In honor of our milestone anniversary, we will be highlighting stories from alumni, their loved ones, and Mountainside staff, whose own paths to recovery inform and inspire the work we do each day.

First up, meet Alison B., a single mother of two who credits Mountainside with saving her life after a heroin relapse during the pandemic landed her in the ICU.

Nik K. is a healthy thrill-seeker, competing in various races. But it wasn’t always this way. Learn about his struggle with alcoholism and how recovery led to a passion for fitness.

Rachel M. struggled with trauma, grief, and substance abuse as a highschooler and young adult. Now, a loving wife and mother of two, Rachel is thriving in recovery.

Jesse W. struggled to fit in and find recovery. His story shows how trusting the process and doing the “right” thing can take you far.

Vincent D. went from using drugs and alcohol to cope, to learning how to treat himself with love and compassion. Find out what his life looks like now as a Mountainside Recovery Coach empowering LGBTQ+ clients.

Gaylen M.’s early life revolved around alcohol and her job. Her perseverance along with the support of her loved ones helped her reach a life in recovery she never thought was possible.

Amy L.’s story starts with her passion for soccer, academic pursuits, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but then addiction got in the way. See what happens when Amy put her own life first.

Pat M. struggled with substance abuse most of his early life trying to run from his problems rather than face them. After many obstacles, a few attempts to get sober, and a bit of self-discovery, Pat is now living a beautiful life in recovery.

Atticus A. described substance use as a roller coaster. Each time he smoked weed or took pills, he wanted to challenge himself to go on the more intense ride. Eventually, it became too much, and he knew something had to change.

Ricky T. is 25 years sober. He has a kind heart, and a warm personality and is always willing to help people in need. But there was a time when he had to overcome one of the biggest struggles of his life. Here’s his story.

Chelsea D.‘s life changed after losing her boyfriend to an overdose. She wanted to get sober but didn’t know how. Her family helped her get into Mountainside, where she immediately felt safe and loved. Through her dedication, Chelsea now has a life in recovery she never thought was possible.

Ezra W. struggled with anxiety and self-medicated with marijuana until he became sick. Ezra was strongly against Alcoholics Anonymous and sobriety, but he knew something needed to change. Here’s how Ezra began his recovery journey, found his home in AA meetings and a passion for helping others.
Interactive Timeline
Click the arrow to the right of the timeline to begin exploring moments & milestones in our 25 year history! Have a favorite moment of your own? Share it with us on social media by tagging @mountainside and using #Mountainside25
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Mountainside: Then and Now
We’ve come a long way! Take a look at our campus in the early days, and see how we’ve changed. A tremendous amount of thought and care goes into creating the healing spaces of each of our locations.
Mountainside is proud to be recognized by the State of Connecticut as a valued community member in helping to fight substance abuse throughout the years as well as the current opioid crisis. It has earned an array of awards and recognition including being one of only seven addiction treatment centers in the United States to hold dual accreditation from CARF International and The Joint Commission as well as a 3.7 ASAM certification. READ MORE

