My name is Aden and I’m an alcoholic, and with that I am also in halfway. I started my journey of recovery July 27 2019, since then I have had a birthday, dealt with death, and have learned to navigate life sober. I am originally from stl, mo, and found my way down here in south Florida. Mainly because when I decided enough was enough I looked up treatment centers, trans friendly treatment centers to be more specific. In my case I am also a member of the transgender community and with that finding help can be tricky. You have to find the right place that will treat you with respect and keep you safe and protect you when you are at your most vulnerable.
Luckily the detox I went to knew about Inspire and sent me here. It was honestly the best decision because when I got to Inspire at first I was nervous and scared but I quickly was integrated into the family. I was also treated as the man I am and immediately housed with another trans man once I got here. I also found it amazing that there were some trans women in the house when I arrived. It was warm and welcoming between people in my house making sure I got settled in and something to eat after the long and hectic day. I was also welcomed in by the man who was running the halfway who was also in the lgbt community. Not once did I feel judged or looked down upon because of my trans identity.
It was easy to start feeling at home because everyone was either trans or gay, so they all knew and understood what I was going through and were all able to help me navigate early sobriety. Along with going to LGBT meetings in the area, thanks to the staff who takes us to meetings 3 days a week and if we aren’t on the van we visit our local LAMBDA for meetings and fellowship. Not only has Inspire helped me establish myself in the sober community, but they have also helped me to further my transition. Mainly by helping me get gender conformation surgery and helping me recover the months after. Since I have been with Inspire I have learned more about who I am as a person than I ever have before. I am also happy and honored to give back by managing the same halfway that I came into on my first day.