Mountainside Treatment Center

10/27/2026

Ketamine has taken on a growing presence in college social settings, raising important questions about how young adults perceive the drug and understand its effects.

Mountainside's ketamine expert and program manager, Daniel Sexton, was recently quoted in The Wall Street Journal in a report examining ketamine use on college campuses and the trends shaping its growing visibility.

As conversations around ketamine continue to evolve, clinical insight is essential to understanding the distinction between its medical applications and the risks associated with recreational use. Informed awareness remains an important part of navigating the changing landscape of substance use.

Read the full article in The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/cornell-7-case-puts-spotlight-on-ketamine-at-college-campuses-ae7163fe?st=4fQSXa

The powerful psychedelic-like anesthetic is gaining popularity as a party drug.

10/26/2026

Mountainside’s 2026–2027 Brighter Future College Scholarship is now accepting applications.
High school juniors and seniors in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey whose lives have been impacted by addiction are encouraged to apply and share their experiences.

Through a 500-800 word essay, students are invited to reflect on their experiences, share their perspectives, and explore how the scholarship would support their educational goals.

Applications are due April 19, 2027.

Read the full press release to learn more about the scholarship and eligibility requirements: https://www.mountainside.com/news/releases/brighter-future-scholarship-2026-2027-applications/

Mountainside invites students to write about how addiction has shaped their lives for a chance at a college scholarship.

10/14/2026

Mountainside's 2026-2027 Brighter Future Scholarship applications are now open!

Open to high school juniors and seniors in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, the scholarship gives students affected by addiction, whether personally or through a loved one, an opportunity to share their experiences and pursue their educational goals.

Through their stories, students can challenge stigma and raise awareness of the impact of addiction.

Applications close April 19, 2027.

Learn more and apply here: https://loom.ly/cjKAJpw

10/07/2026

We’re proud to share that Keith Appleton, Clinician at Mountainside and a trusted resource on veterans and behavioral health, has been inducted to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Chapter.

Keith has dedicated much of his work to supporting veterans and understanding the unique experiences that can shape their mental health and recovery. Through his work at Mountainside, he brings this expertise to individuals and families while contributing to the broader behavioral health community.

We’re pleased to see Keith bring his experience and perspective to NASW Connecticut and look forward to the work ahead.

Congratulations, Keith!

10/06/2026

Sometimes, we cannot see what is waiting for us beyond a difficult chapter.

Hearing from someone who has lived through that uncertainty can offer a different kind of perspective. The reassurance that life can change, that difficult seasons can pass, and that there can be more ahead can mean a great deal when you are still finding your way through the present.

Recovery is filled with moments like these, when encouragement, experience, and human connection can help make the road ahead feel possible.

10/05/2026

The illicit drug supply is changing quickly, with new synthetic substances emerging alongside drugs that have been present for decades.

Cychlorphine is one example of how substances can reappear in new forms and create new challenges for the people who use them, their families, and the professionals working to treat substance use disorders. Understanding where these substances come from, how they may be encountered, and what remains unknown is an important part of responding to an evolving landscape.

At Mountainside, our clinical team brings specialized expertise in treating substance use disorders, including those involving emerging substances.

Swipe through to learn more about cychlorphine.

10/05/2026

Self-care takes on a different meaning in the middle of grief.

For some, it may be the practices that help you feel grounded. For others, it may be finding a way to care for yourself when everything around you feels uncertain.

There is no single way to care for yourself through a difficult season. What matters is making space for the kind of care that helps you keep moving forward.

10/01/2026

As ketamine misuse draws growing attention, Mountainside is contributing its clinical expertise to the national conversation.

In a recent New York Times article, Daniel Sexton, Mountainside’s Program Manager of Outpatient Services, shares insights from his work with individuals seeking treatment for ketamine dependency, highlighting a recent increase in people seeking help, many of them 25 and younger.

Through firsthand clinical experience, Mountainside's team is helping bring greater attention to the evolving patterns of ketamine misuse and the treatment needs of those affected.

Read the full article in The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/30/science/cornell-rape-ketamine.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

Ketamine is a short-acting anesthetic that can have hallucinogenic effects. It is becoming more easily available, and some experts fear misuse is increasing.

09/30/2026

A day dedicated to wellness, connection, and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Mountainside’s Wellness Day at Chelsea. From exploring new ways to support wellbeing to spending time together, we loved having our community with us.

We look forward to welcoming you back for the next one.

09/29/2026

Jana Wu, Mountainside’s Director of Clinical Integration, was recently featured in BBC News, sharing her clinical expertise on kratom use and dependence.

With years of experience addressing the complexities of kratom addiction and treatment, Jana brings an important clinical perspective to the national conversation. In the article, she discusses the effects of kratom dependence and the far-reaching impact it can have on individuals and families.

Read the full article to hear from Jana and explore the growing conversation around kratom in the United States.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjn5ddzekwnro

Kratom, found during an investigation into the deaths of two college students, has been sold in the US for around a decade.