Today I have a network of positive influencers I can call/rely on.
Before
This is Jonathon Clifton and he has been in recovery for 113 days. This is not the first time he has “been in
recovery.” Unfortunately, it only lasted two weeks. He was living at home and believed he could do it myself
cold-turkey. Jonathon was born in Texas, but lived off and on in both Texas and Louisiana. He had been
drinking since I was 18. He was in culinary school from 2017 until 2020. In 2021 he moved back to Houston
and began heavy drinking and using drugs, mostly weed. He finally ended up in jail where he met Melissa. In
jail there are not many treatment people working with the LQBT community. He didn’t know what it was,
but found himself in RIC count. Melissa told me him he was hers and took him to the Houston Recovery
Center’s Sobering Center.
After
Recovery is not easy. Jonathon goes to meetings, call his sponsor or any of the “12 steps” support people he
knows when he’s down. He doesn’t have to run anymore. Today he has a network of positive influencers he
can call/rely on. HRC helped him form that network and learn how to make connections. One of the best
things he has learned is to “sit still,” don’t try to fix yourself alone, let others help you. Let miracles happen –
they will. Trust in people like the staff at HRC. They know what they’re doing. Let them help you.
Let miracles happen – they will.
Background
My Name is Jonathon Clifton and I have been in recovery for 113 days. This is not the first time I have “been
in recovery.” Unfortunately, last time it only lasted two weeks. I was living at home and believed I could do it
myself cold-turkey. I was born in Texas, but lived off and on in both Texas and Louisiana. I had been drinking
since I was 18. I was in culinary school from 2017 until 2020. In 2021 I moved back to Houston and began
heavy drinking and using drugs, mostly weed.
Life growing up was lonely. I was someone that had friends, only when they needed a friend. I was in a
relationship for 10 years, but never really felt loved. The reality was that my partner was very controlling
and very jealous. I wasn’t able to “detach” from the life I was in, surrounded by the same environment,
people and cravings. I finally ended up in jail where I met Melissa. In jail there are not many treatment
people working with the LQBT community. I didn’t know what it was, but found myself in RIC count. Melissa
told me I was hers and took me to the Houston Recovery Center’s Sobering Center. I was at the Sobering
Center for three weeks until HRC found a recovery facility opening.
Recovery is not easy. I go to meetings, call my sponsor or any of the “12 steps” support people I know when
I’m down. I try and practice gratitude and appreciation for what I have in my “new Life.” I’ve done things
that scare me, but I’m not afraid of myself anymore. I don’t have to run anymore, I’ve learned that you
aren’t what you’ve done, but what you are now. Today I have a network of positive influencers I can call/rely
on. HRC helped me form a network and learn how to make connections.
I still think about the people still out there, those I’ve left behind. They mean a lot and still need help. A
friend who was always looking after others past away recently. I miss him and it makes me want to help
others. One of the best things I’ve learned is to “sit still,” don’t try to fix yourself alone, let others help you.
Let miracles happen – they will. Trust in people like the staff at HRC. They know what they’re doing. Let
them help you. The change is PROFOUND.