Being transgender doesn’t define me, being gay doesn’t define me and neither does being an addict
Nathan’s story, a former client at Steps Together at The Chestnuts, is a testament to the transformative power of recovery. Emerging from the depths of addiction, Nathan shares his journey towards sobriety, emphasising the profound impact it has had on his life. However, Nathan’s narrative goes beyond addiction recovery.
He courageously confronts societal labels, declaring that he refuses to be defined by his transgender identity, sexual orientation, or past struggles. Nathan’s resilience and self-awareness serve as an inspiration to countless individuals, particularly those who have grappled with addiction and members of the lgbtqia+ community.
His belief in the potential for personal growth and the rejection of limiting labels resonate deeply during Pride month 2024, a time when the celebration of diversity and the fight against discrimination take center stage. Nathan’s story empowers others to embrace their identities and pursue their dreams without fear of judgment.
Nathan, Former Client Steps Together
“I’m Nathan and I’m an addict. I walked through the door of Steps Together in September 2021, scared, defeated and spiritually broken. I was fleeing a version of myself that I was ashamed of and I had few reasons to be proud of who I’d become. Addiction took me to places I didn’t even know existed, places I never thought I’d find. When I was introduced to the 12 Step Program I was skeptical to say the least but I quickly realised that they were a tool toward self discovery and healing that I’d wish I’d found much earlier in life.
I have worked through multiple versions of the 12 Steps; the Steps Together way, the Narcotics Anonymous way and more recently the Jewish way. I constantly have to remind myself that in all of this all I’m trying to find is myself. We are who we are. When the disease of addiction’s grip has lost its sting on us, all we are left with is the same self we began with. You’ve got to find a way to be exactly who you’re supposed to be, peacefully coexisting with all that you are.
I’m proud of who I am today. I’ve realised that labels do not define me; being transgender doesn’t define me, being gay does not define me and neither does being an addict. What does matter is the decisions I make, the actions I take and the way I behave. When I use substances it is inevitable that I will lose my moral compass and everything that is important to me. Recovery has given me back every facet of myself, an inner peace that transcends and has a profound effect on my character and attitude. My goal is to be the best version of myself and not to be ashamed of or be restrained by my past.
Life isn’t sequential, recovery isn’t linear and growth does not come without putting the work in, but when you accept who you are and where you’re at freedom is promised. Freedom to live, freedom to be, freedom to dream, freedom to evolve. Choosing to fight for yourself is the best thing you can do, everything you want to do or become starts from within. You may find yourself having to make the same choices over and over again because you didn’t quite get it yet and that’s okay.
My recovery has been one of relapse, redemption and revelation. I’m thankful that I am able to show up to life today, innately free as my true and authentic self. I just have to keep moving forward, believing that I am worthy of my place on this earth, knowing that every good thing has a way of coming together somehow so as long as we allow the space for eudaimonia to manifest. Eudaimonia means human flourishing and YOUR ability to flourish is down to you.”
Support for Addiction or Mental Health Concerns
Steps Together offer private residential and outpatient services for those who are experiencing difficulty with addiction or mental health issues, if you’d like to find out more please visit www.stepstogether.co.uk or call 0330 175 7031 today for a FREE and confidential discussion with one of our treatment advisors.
