Jonathan Hickory: A Police Officer's Journey from Addiction to Recovery
I really feel like god lays it on our hearts. So that's when I started looking into becoming a police officer, and at that point had you met your wife.
Imagine being on the frontlines of law enforcement, facing trauma daily, and then battling your own demons when the shift ends. That's the reality Jonathan Hickory lived. In this episode of the Healing Voices Project, Jonathan, a police officer and author of 'Break Every Chain', opens up about his turbulent journey through childhood trauma, alcoholism, PTSD, and depression. Growing up in Massachusetts, Jonathan's life took a drastic turn after a family vacation to Disney World.
Despite coming from what seemed like a normal family, he found himself job-hopping before settling into a career as a police officer. The job offered him a sense of purpose but also exposed him to immense trauma. This unaddressed trauma led him down a dark path of addiction that threatened to destroy everything he held dear. Jonathan’s story is one of incredible resilience and vulnerability.
He shares how his faith and the unwavering support of his loved ones became his lifeline, helping him to seek help and turn his life around. He emphasizes the critical need for first responders to acknowledge the impact of their work on their mental health and to find the courage to seek help. Beyond his personal story, Jonathan discusses the making of his book 'Break Every Chain', which has been adapted into a major motion picture.
His experiences serve as a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with similar struggles, offering inspiration and practical advice for recovery. Tune in to hear Jonathan's heartfelt story and discover how courage and support can pave the way to recovery.