Meet Jono Steele!
Sober since:
April 4, 2023
I’m 37, born and raised in Colorado, and had every advantage there is growing up. My problems didn’t start until my Jr year of college, and I’m still baffled at the speed and tenacity that opiate addiction can ruin your life.
Can you share a bit about your journey with addiction and what led you to seek recovery?
My story is long, and intense. It started in 2009 with an OxyContin addiction that evolved into heroin addiction. Witnessed deaths, overdosed to the point of paralysis and had to learn how to walk again, was shot by a cop at a traffic stop and did 4 years in prison, and a little over 2 years ago, I had my left arm amputated. I’ve worked in the recovery field for several years in the past.
At what point did you realize that you needed help, and what was your turning point?
I’ve had multiple points. Fiancés death and subsequent overdose was one, being shot and sent to prison was another, and getting my arm amputated was the last one
What was the hardest part about admitting that you had a problem with addiction?
Accepting the fact that I needed help. I was always competent and confident in my own abilities to control my mind, and it took me a very long time to come to terms with the fact that opiate addiction is more powerful than I can handle
Who or what had the greatest impact on your recovery, and why?
I had a lot of experience working in recovery and was somewhat against going to treatment, but I’m so grateful I did. The facility I went to does a great job at focusing on the underlying issues, not just the symptoms of addiction.
What challenges did you face in the early stages of recovery?
Loss of limb grieving has been hard and is still ongoing.
What are some daily habits that help you in your sobriety?
Taking moments to myself, reading daily, music, focusing on health and happiness
What are your top "absolutes" for maintaining sobriety?
Everything must change. People, places, things, triggers.
Tell us about your life today?
My life today consists of looking for opportunities to share my story to help other addicts, and finding the best way to do that. My story is powerful, and I would like to grow my audience so I can impact as many people as possible
What did we miss? Please share anything else that your feel important about your journey.
It can be graphic, tragic, sad, depressing, but also inspirational.
Tell us about your work in recovery:
