Eric Houghton chose to put his admission picture to the Carrier Clinic for alcoholism and cocaine addiction treatment on the cover of his tell-all recovery book to underscore the physical wreck he was in 2010. It’s a pitiable photo – especially since the recovered alcoholic Houghton is so full of life and talent. This winter at the Methodist church in Manahawkin, he gave a performance of his original musical compositions dedicated to recovery. His opus consisted of three works: “Fantasy on Amazing Grace,” “Recovery Sonata for Clarinet and Piano” and “Five Anonymous Songs.”

In the program accompanying the musical, Houghton said, “A little over two and a half years ago, I was forced to make a…