By 
Sam C.
The single most important thing that I have learned in my life is honesty. It’s the foundation of life itself. Not only in recovery, but with everything I do on a daily basis. I finally had to become honest with myself about my alcoholism.
With the help of Mountainside and all the people there that supported me with my recovery, I now understand the importance of needing to make drastic changes in my life. I had to set boundaries with family and non-family members, open up about my feelings, and know that it’s OK to say what’s on my mind. I had to act in a way that I never thought I’d act before. I simply can’t drink, bottom line. I have to be honest with myself and with everyone around me so I can stay on the path of recovery.
The freedom of being able to be honest with everyone is helping me day by day, hour by hour, to embrace my new way of thinking. My mantra has always been “love a lot, trust a few, learn to paddle your own canoe”. The problem in the past is that I was dependent on other people. I was trapped in a world where I thought that I was always wrong and everyone else was right. Dependency is a disease in of itself. I was addicted to it and now I realize that I can be independent and go forward with my life feeling confident and blessed. I can rely on myself to make me and everyone around me happier in this world. If you’re not honest with yourself then none of this matters and you will never have peace in your life.
I thank GOD, my higher power, and of course Mountainside for giving me the tools to help me become the man I want to become. It’s never too late to realize that you can be happier with yourself and truly push on through life each day with integrity, honesty and love. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Alumni Spotlight
How Siobhan L. Remains Persistent in Recovery
Howdy, Mountainside Alumni! It is I, Alex, Mountainside’s Virtual Recovery Coach. As Spring approaches and we begin to mingle outside, I hope you know how incredible you are and that you have power from your recovery journey. It is remarkable that you are doing this for yourself. Hold your head high knowing that you are fighting for a better life for yourself, and worthy of the good things that come from each step you take. Set a steady pace, show up for yourself and others, and always know that you don’t owe it to anyone to stay in a space that makes you uncomfortable. The whole Mountainside community has your back!
Every Monday, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face unique challenges and barriers when it comes to addiction treatment and recovery, which is why we are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to address your struggles. Led by caring Mountainside staff who are queer and in recovery, these virtual support meetings are an opportunity for you to discuss the challenges you are facing, learn how to overcome them, and become a part of a supportive sober community.
The group is free and open to anyone the LGBTQ+ community.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Mountainside can help.
Click here or call (888) 833-4676 to speak with one of our addiction treatment experts.
