Praise for Jordan P. Barnes
One Hit Away is a gripping, startling account into addiction, compassion and ultimate salvation. It is powerful because of its honesty. Raw without being sensationalistic, this harrowing account of Jordans journey provides insight and compassion into the struggle of addiction. It is an important, engrossing book that is hard to put down.
Annie Grace, Author, This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life
Raw, brutal, and jaw dropping. Jordan P. Barnes exposes his readers to the dark abyss that is heroin addiction. His transparency brings a level of understanding and empathy to anyone who has ever been touched by addiction.
Kylie LeBlanc, Author & Curator, AddictsRipple.com
One Hit Away takes you on a journey you wont forget. An honest expression of such a common and hardcore reality is so necessary. This memoir is a work of art for both truth and healing on a level that many of us have yet to encounter.
Kayleon Dortch-Elliott, Author, One Day At A Time: Remaining in Step, My Sentiments Exactly Podcast
Barnes beautifully written memoir takes one by the hand and invites them into the hell of addictionthe suffocation, the trap, and the never-ending fear that one is doomed. His story is honest, raw, and tugs at the heart. More importantly, he delivers a story of hopethat for even the worst addict, if they want help, happiness can be found. Kudos to Jordan P. Barnes for such profound service through his beautiful words.
Paul LaGreca, Author, The Boy Behind the China Cabinet
Jordans memoir is a heartrending true story of his journey from being hopelessly addictedalways chasing the next highto battling his way to sobriety, marriage, and the joys of fatherhood. This is an unflinching story about how it is possible to transcend the darkness of addiction and live a life of happiness.
Tara Cummins, Author, Mothers Ingredients: A Memoir
Authentic and inspiring, One Hit Away is more than just a transparent, real life story of the tragedies of addictionits a heartfelt message filled with hope and salvation. We all know someone who has struggled with addiction. However, if you had the pleasure of meeting Jordan, youd never know he fought those demons on the bitter, cold, and dangerous streets of Portlandonly that hes an example of how anything is possible in recovery.
Danny Casler, Curator, My Kailua, Pacific Ink & Art Expo
As an addict in recovery, I approve this message. Chee huu.
@HoHungryHungryHawaiian
Jordan P. Barnes One Hit Away takes the reader on a traumatizing yet moving narrative that hits you in the gut from the first chapter on. Its an emotional talea survival rollercoaster of habit and helplessness that exposes the harsh reality of the struggle for sobriety. A naked and honest look inside the perilous road of recovery and rehabilitation, its a must-read for anyone wishing to understand the power of addiction as well as the hope for redemption.
Michael Kitchens, Creator, Stolen Stuff Hawaii
Copyright 2020 by Jordan P. Barnes
Illustrations Copyright by 2020 Kate Wadsworth
ISBN-13: 978-1-7347166-2-7 (Paperback)
ISBN-13: 978-1-7347166-1-0 (E-Book)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020915004
Island Time Press, LLC
P.O. Box 630
Kailua, HI 96734
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher or author. Exceptions may be made in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Alcoholics Anonymous IV Edition, page 82 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Designed by @Jordan_P_Barnes
www.JordanPBarnes.com
Cover art and sketches by @Wadsworthink
www.KateWadsworth.com
Edited by @Jessey_Mills
www.JesseyMills.com
Audiobook Narrated by @RyanHaugenVA
www.RyanHaugen.com
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the United States of America
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Dedication
This memoir is dedicated to my mother and father, who never gave up on me even after I had long given up on myself.
I also owe my life as I know it to the team and staff at Sand Island Treatment Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, where men and women dedicate their lives to giving fellow addicts and alcoholics a fighting chance.
Jonathan Colby Barnes
April 22nd, 1983 - May 13th, 2019
In loving memory of my brother.
Jonathan was a brilliant mind who read light-years beyond his age as a child. His favorite books were Dune, Enders Game, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Watership Down.
At a point in my life when I needed it most, Jonathan sent me a copy of Papillon by Henri Charrire and insisted I read it. That book had an immediate and lasting impact, and the message resonates still: escape from whatever prison is eating you alive by any means necessary.
You are sorely missed.
We are not creatures of circumstance; we are creators of circumstance.
Benjamin Disraeli
Contents
Authors Note
This book is an informational resource intended to educate the public on addictions and addictive substances. It is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
This is a true story. All incidents and people are real, though some names and identifying characteristics have been changed to preserve anonymity of those depicted. Though conversations in this book are written from my best-efforts recollection and memory to capture the essence, meaning and sentiment of what was said, all errors of fact or interpretation are my own. Wherever possible, references have been made to interviews, journals, medical records, court logs, emails and recordings.
Its important to note that though it is not my intent to drug-a-log or glorify drug use, this book is ultimately a true story of recovery based on actual events. Light shines brightest in the darkness, and as such, this text contains more than its fair share of scenes and references to drug use that some may find uncomfortable.
Therefore, please proceed with caution if youre easily triggered, in a fragile state of mind or new to recovery. If you need help, know that resources are available to you and you are never alone.
www.aa.org
www.na.org
www.al-anon.org
www.nar-anon.org
