Personal Stories

A personal reflection about early recovery, feeling "left out" during the holidays, and the importance of self-awareness. Read Collin's story.

Ezra overdosed on marijuana but still continued to use the drug. Learn how he found sobriety, became an AA supporter, and is living a life he never thought possible.

After losing her loved one to an overdose, Chelsea wanted to get sober but didn’t know how. Chelsea shares how she found recovery at Mountainside and all the gifts that came alone with it.

Ricky is 25 years sober. He has a kind heart, and a warm personality and is always willing to help people. But it wasn't always this way. Here's his story.

Sobriety Date: March 23, 2020 Discovering himself College Student Dependable friend Music artist Mountainside Treatment Center · Atticus A. Transcript Atticus 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 something […]

Candy shares the ups and downs of her child's struggle with addiction nearly 20 years ago. The mother of 3 reflects on her life back then and how it has changed today.

Sobriety Date: 9/11/2001 Loving Husband and Father Grateful Dead Fan (Deadhead) AA and Wellness Advocate Pat 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 […]

Amy was always interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and striving for good grades, but then addiction got in the way. See what happens when Amy chose to put her own life first.

Alcohol took center stage for most of Gaylen's early life. Her perseverance along with the support of her loved ones helped her reach a life she never thought was possible.

Sobriety Date: November 3, 2018 Proud LGBTQ+ Member and Activist Outgoing Personality Theater Enthusiast Vincent went from using drugs and alcohol to cope with his sexuality 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+ individuals who are living […]

Jesse W had trouble fitting in and found comfort in alcohol and other substances. After multiple sobriety attempts, Jesse discovered the importance of living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

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