Jessica Gorton has worked in recovery on and off for 6 years. She has a Social Work degree from Chapman University. Jessica received a Drug/Alcohol Counselor Certificate from College of the Desert. She has worked for other treatment centers such as The Betty Ford Center and Michaels House. Jessica enjoys helping others and loves to work every day at Discovery Behavioral Health. Another passion of hers is riding horse, where she recently started taking polo lessons.

discoverybehavioralhealth.com

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?

A. I believe it is a disease and when you are active there is no choice.

Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?

A. I would love to be in Montana.

Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety Toolkit that helps keep you sober?

A. I would say the most important part of the sobriety is to be involved in AA by completing the 12 steps, having a sponsor that holds you accountable, and sponsoring others.

Q. How do you measure success?

A. I measure success through my relationships with others. I believe that life is all about connection and helping others. I feel the best and most successful when I am involved with great people that help me become better every day.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?

A. When there is a mess, I am a very tidy person.

Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?

A. My family, close friends, and mentors that have helped me along the way in my career path.

Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?

A. I am from Los Angeles and reside in Palm Springs.

Q. What’s your concept of a Higher Power?

A. A light in my life that I trust and turn my life over to.

Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?

A. I love John Maxwell.

Q. Who is your favorite film director?

A. Quentin Tarantino.

Q. What surprised you most about living sober?

A. That I would feel free again, my whole world opened up when I got sober.

Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?

A. Do what you love, stay away from people who bring you down, and stay sober.

Q. What books are you reading now?

A. The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie, everyday.

Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?

A. I just finished The Perfect Couple.

Q. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

A. Supportive.

Q. What is your favorite city?

A. San Diego.

Q. What sport(s) do you like to play or watch?

A. Polo.

Q. What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?

A. You are a product of the 5 people you are closest to.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve given someone else?

A. Trust the process, be patient.

Q. What is one thing that always makes you smile?

A. When I see people being good to one another.

Q. What was the proudest moment in your life?

A. When I graduated college.

Q. What do you love most about yourself?

A. That I am a caring person who will go above and beyond.

Q. What is your biggest fear?

A. Losing my mother.

Q. Where do you go when you want to be alone?

A.  Home, I love my peaceful house.

Q. What is your biggest regret?

A. Not buying a house sooner.

Q. What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

A. Leaving my large corporate job in Florida to come home to California and follow my passion, which is to work in recovery.