Mountain Top Cares Corner - One Step on the Road to Recovery

Substance use disorder—whether alcohol or drugs—is often discussed in statistics and headlines. But here in our small rural communities, the reality is far more personal. It affects our sons and daughters, parents, siblings, coworkers, and friends who are trying to find their way back to health and stability.

Getting back on track with the life we once envisioned for ourselves can be daunting—not only for the person struggling, but also for the people who care about them. Once the problem is recognized and the journey toward recovery begins, many people feel hopeful and motivated. Yet changing habits often proves harder than expected. Research shows that meaningful habit change can take many attempts—sometimes ten or more—before it truly sticks. Not getting it right the first time isn’t failure; it’s part of the process.

Change unfolds over time. Sometimes we recognize something isn’t working but aren’t yet ready to act. At other times we begin to consider change, weighing possibilities and imagining something different. Eventually we may take a small step—trying something new. With time, repetition, and support, those steps can grow into lasting habits.

Moving between these stages is normal. Understanding where we are in the process can help us replace pressure with patience and make change feel possible.

The Mountain Top Cares Coalition (MCC) offers free services so individuals can focus fully on recovery. MCC supports people and families across Greene County who are navigating substance use and addiction. We believe recovery is possible, and no one should have to face that journey alone.

Our annual fundraiser will be held March 27 at 7 PM at Last Chance Tavern in Tannersville. We hope you can join us. If you can’t attend, your support in any form helps ensure recovery resources remain available to our community.

Because on the mountaintop, taking care of each other is still what we do best.

— Helle Thorning, Ph.D., LCSW

Author, educator, psychotherapist, and board member of Mountain Top Cares

MOUNTAIN TOP CARES: Learn more: https://www.mountaintopcarescoalition.com