Quote from: HelenW on January 24, 2015, 02:12:54 PM
I work with an agency who are developing a long term rehabilitation facility for people who are dealing with problems involving substance misuse. They are currently in the process of training an initial cadre of people in recovery oriented, person centered (ROPC) peer support. This group of people are all peers who are in active recovery from similar issues, and I have volunteered to give these trainees a Trans 101 presentation so they can be culturally competent in dealing with our community.
I was wondering if anyone here in Susan's Place would be willing to share any experience they may have had as a trans* person in a self-help, peer driven recovery group such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous. It doesn't necessarily have to be a 12 step program, just one that is designed to help people with addiction issues.
How are trans people treated in such groups? Do you have any ideas how they should do it? If you have experienced recovery with the help of these groups, what did they do well? What did they do wrong?
I realize these questions are possibly intrusive and some of you may not be willing to publish what you've dealt with in the past. If that's the case I would be fine if you would PM me, either here in the forums or by email at emelye@susans.org We could even do it in a private chat channel, if that is what you feel comfortable with. As the admin, I can easily set one up in a few minutes. No matter how they are done done, I sincerely pledge any communications I receive in that way will be held in strictest confidence.
Helen- I don't know if I can help, but I am willing to share my experience. I have gratefully been sober 22 years next week. I spent 6 months in a recovery environment, and that was a gift. Unfortunately, lengthy treatments are frowned upon by insurance companies although, in the past the one predictor for people going through treatment and maintenance of continuous sobriety was length of stay.
But, if you are advising a "recovery center" then I would make sure that upon intake, that each person be asked about gender issues and how they would like to be accomodated. Knowing those preferences will help greatly in facilitating the intake exam and process. Being a retired physician, I know how helpful it is to have knowlege like that before hand. If requests cannot be honored for some reason, then the initial interview is the place that these issues need to be finalized. You don't want one of us leaving because they feel threatened by the environment. Assurance of safety is an imperative by staff; early and often.
Of course, the mainstay of my recovery, like most others with my disease, is AA. It is odd that you bring up this subject, as I had coffee with a friend from my 'home group' last week and we were discussing what it will be like when I show up as Sheila. To be honest, though, the basis of the program is one of non-judgement. I have been to AA meetings all over the US and even in Mexico, but a constant that you can count on is that there will be little judgement against anyone and everyone. That includes us. If a person is new to a group, they are given an opportunity to state their name at the start of the meeting, so it is easy to feel included just by the nature of the normal meeting structure. As well, many of us were full of shame and fear when we came through the doors, the last step of the 12 that are read in every meeting is this: "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs." That does not seperate us from any other alcoholic. And, I have found, that those deeply wounded are universally approached by group members; as woundedness is one of the most common modifier in all of our histories. In short, AA meetings should be ideal places to show who you really are. I am headed there myself in the future and will let you know.
I know this is rambling, but I hope it helps. If I can be of ANY service please message me. Blessings and hugs, Sheila Grace
