Responsibility in Recovery with Rachel S.

In 2009, I was in a bad car accident, and as a result, I fell into dependence on opiates. I ran with that dependence for about 10 years and robbed myself and others from showing up as a daughter and friend and reaching any potential.

On May 15, 2019, after several failed attempts to stop on my own, I finally found Mountainside – a place that helped me find my true self and accept help from others. After treatment, I engaged in the fulfillment I quickly saw life had to offer and connected with my sober community. Connection and support became my number one motivator.

I helped start a new meeting in my town at the brink of the pandemic and started volunteering. I found joy in realizing that my journey could help others and began working in the recovery field to give to others what was so graciously given to me. Today, my loved ones come to me for support, and I helped my brother see recovery is possible. I can be a good cat mom, and I show up as an honest and compassionate friend. The point being – I SHOW UP.

Over the past two years, I have fostered relationships with others struggling with sobriety, become open-minded and teachable, and rediscovered passions. I promised myself when I got sober that I would learn to play the guitar, and that is a promise that I have been able to keep! I enjoy relaxing on the porch with my cat, appreciating the innocence of an animal and the unconditional love he has for me. I spend my nights looking up at the stars and the moon in awe of the universe’s beauty. I have become more curious and found a love in meditating at the top of mountains and running in the fresh outdoors to be one with nature. My opportunities in life are limitless, and it’s all because Mountainside taught me to be willing and open to a life that I didn’t know was possible. I get to live a life far better than I could have ever imagined. There is a whole lot I am grateful for, and in being able to see that, I consider myself blessed.