Local leader helps guide recovery from addiction in Fort Smith

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

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

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

“I was never really able to keep a romantic relationship for longer than a few months. Drugs always interfered,” he said.

His struggles were compounded by familial challenges. “My dad’s in recovery as well; 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 the Harbor House, helping people walk through the same doors he once did.

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

The Harbor House is actively involved in combating the opioid crisis through its partnership with the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force. Recently, the task force 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’re excited to take the next step and contribute positively to our community,” he said.

Catherine Chitwood, a staff member at the Harbor House and board member of the Sebastian County Task Force, highlighted 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 materials for kindergarteners,” she explained.

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

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

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