Local leader helps guide addiction recovery in Fort Smith

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) – Billy Heaton, a Fort Smith native and coordinator of men’s residential substance abuse treatment at Harbor House, is dedicated to providing hope and guidance to those struggling with addiction, a journey he knows all too well. .

Heaton’s personal battle with addiction began at age 18 and lasted until he made a life-changing decision on September 13, 2013.

“That would be the end of that road for me,” he said. Now more than 11 years sober, Heaton reflects on how opioids profoundly affected his life.

“I could never sustain a romantic relationship for more than a few months. Drugs always interfered,” she said.

Her struggles were compounded by family challenges. “My father is also in recovery; he got clean when I was 16, and our relationship suffered because he was clean and I wasn’t,” Heaton said.

Today, Heaton spends his days at Harbor House, helping people through the same doors he once did.

“Sometimes I get emotional about it. It’s an amazing feeling to see these clients come in feeling beaten and broken and see them become the men they were meant to be,” he said.

The Harbor House is actively involved in the fight against the opioid crisis through its partnership with the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force. The task force recently received a $625,000 grant to enhance its efforts in the community. Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion emphasized the importance of community collaboration in this initiative.

“We are excited to take the next step and contribute positively to our community,” he said.

Harbor House staff member and Sebastian County task force board member Catherine Chitwood emphasized the importance of early education in preventing addiction.

“We try to catch them young, starting with 12-year-olds and even younger. We have prevention material for kindergartens”, he explained.

Chitwood believes that every little effort counts: “The goal is, if we touch one life, then one life can go out and touch others.”

As Heaton continues his work at Harbor House, he remains committed to guiding others on their path to recovery, transforming lives and fostering hope in the community.

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