Jackson - If I can do it, anyone can do it

Jackson Carson is an incredible young man with a bright future. His quote for today is, “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Jackson has been in and out of programs like Jobs of Hope from ages 13 to 21. Jackson talked about his earliest experiences with medication. “As a child, I was grounded a lot as a kid, so I would read. I love to read. Today, thanks to Jobs of Hope and the program I have worked hard at, I have a job now as a Machinist, working at Norfolk Iron and Metal. I love my job! As a child, I was intermittently on psychotropic medications, which made me feel miserable and numb. To counteract these feelings, I engaged in high-adrenaline activities such as skateboarding and BMX.”

Jackson recounts his first experience with drugs at the age of eleven, stating that from that day forward, he decided to use drugs for the rest of his life. “At this early age, both of my parents are in recovery. My father, who struggled with alcoholism, has been clean and sober for the past six years. He was my first model of recovery as I witnessed his journey to sobriety. The doctors informed him that continuing to drink would be fatal, which was alarming to me as a child. I found it difficult to comprehend how he could persist in drinking, and I did not understand the nature of addiction at that time.

While still in school and living in Sterling, CO, I was expelled in my junior year for using drugs. I did meth in class, ran to the nurse's office, and they called poison control and the police. I was released to my parents. During COVID, I often sneaked out. My parents locked me in my room with only a mattress and monitored me with a camera. They detected my outings by checking if my clothes were cold or if the car hood was warm.

All my recovery attempts were court committed, in and out of jail, and in and out of halfway houses, I would run. I would continue my drugs and alcohol while in the halfway homes.”

After a particularly terrible experience with drugs, Jackson was dropped off at a treatment center by his dad and sister, who were horrified by his appearance. At that time, Jackson knew he needed to turn his life around and work hard on his recovery. Jackson constantly reminded himself, “If I can do this, anyone can do this!”

“This resulted in my involvement with Jobs of Hope. I started the program in March of last year [2024] and have been focusing on recovery since then. I have made significant efforts to maintain sobriety. Today, I have my own apartment and work as a machinist at Norfolk Iron and Metal, where they treat me well. My job requires precise calculations and is challenging, which I enjoy.

Jackson has found success in sobriety, career, and mental health. “Today, I am staying close to Jobs of Hope, where I have made friends along the way. One of my favorite individuals is Jason [Bingham], who provides peer support at Jobs of Hope. I attend NA meetings and have a sponsor. I enjoy spontaneous activities, such as meditation in the woods. When possible, I like to drive, hike, fish, paddleboard, and spend time outdoors.

I am focused on eating healthy, taking care of myself, and maintaining a sober lifestyle.”