• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Make a donation to Stepping Stone this Giving Season 👉
Stepping Stone of San Diego

Stepping Stone of San Diego

Saving lives since 1976

  • Programs
    • Overview
    • Residential Treatment
    • Outpatient Treatment
    • Sober Living
    • Aftercare
    • Mental Health
  • New Clients
    • How to Get Treatment
    • Day In The Life
    • For The Family
    • Payment Options
  • About
    • We Are Stepping Stone
    • Who We Are
    • Meet the Staff & Administration
    • Meet the Board of Directors
    • Alumni Association
    • Volunteer
    • Work With Us
  • Donate
    • Make A Donation
    • Commerative Tiles
  • Living Out Loud
  • Blog
Contact Us

A former resident goes on to represent those living with HIV

March 17, 2016

IMG_0322

Another story from a former resident showing hope restored and the spirit of service coming alive.

For years, drug-addiction has deprived me of a productive life and robbed me from my integrity. However, 2016 has been a phenomenal year for me so far…

I grew up a loner, being the only gay kid around, I was introverted and reclusive. I found acceptance from my peers through alcohol and drugs. I felt drugs helped me to socialize and fit in. Social drug-use escalated into a daily affair and before I knew it I became dependent on drugs for everything. I got to the point where I didn’t care about anything else but using, getting high became the main reason for me to get up each day. The lack of caution resulted in severe repercussions for my reckless lifestyle. I was diagnosed with HIV and found myself in and out of the penal system. At thirty-six, a judge sentenced me to serve a year at George Bailey Detention Facility.

Upon release, I entered a residential treatment program. Stepping Stone of San Diego saved my life. It is a program that caters to the LGBT community and specialize in the recovery of addicts living with HIV. There I realized my self-worth and discovered my ambitious spirit. I stuck to the guidelines of my treatment plan and with the help of my drug counselor, therapist, peers and staff I was able to make great progress in my recovery. In the beginning I was hesitant about dealing with my HIV status, I walked around with shame and didn’t want to think about it. Nevertheless, I was living with HIV, I might as well start adhering to a medication regimen and adopt a healthier lifestyle, free of drugs and alcohol.

Since successfully completing the program, opportunity has presented itself to me in more ways than I can believe. I am currently a second year undergraduate student at San Diego City College. I have selected a career in Behavioral Science, specializing in Alcohol and Other Drugs Studies, because I feel my life experiences can help understand others who continue to struggle with the disease of addiction. It is important to me to stay connected with Stepping Stone, I volunteer weekly and serve on the alumni board as liaison to the residents and staff there. Helping others in recovery (who may also be living with HIV/AIDS) is a what I am passionate about. My continuous involvement with Stepping Stone allows me to build a great rapport with current residents which lends a hand to an open and honest conversation in the weekly groups that I facilitate.

My participation in the HIV and recovery community has not gone unnoticed. I was honored when Stepping Stone nominated me and The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation selected me to be a part of the team to represent San Diego in Washington DC at this year’s annual AIDSWatch. Advocating for the issues that affect the lives and families of those living with HIV/AIDS, I was glad to lend my voice to the cause and put a face to the solution. Thanks to Stepping Stone I have earned my integrity back and look forward to a very bright future. They’ve allowed me to discover my potential and provide a platform to promote health through sobriety. I can only hope that my story will inspire someone who feels like there is no hope. -A.M.

 

Share Your Story

Tagged With: Stories from Former Stepping Stone Residents

Ready to get help?

We'll meet you where you are and develop a customized program just for you.

Get in touch

Footer

Stepping Stone

Serving the LGBTQ Community
since 1976

3767 Central Avenue
San Diego CA 92105

Call: 619/278-0777

California Relay Service
Voice —
800.855.7100 (English)
800.855.7200 (Spanish)
TTY — 711

Stepping Out

Outpatient Treatment
in North Park

3928 Illinois Street
San Diego, CA 92104

Call: 619/763-1140

 

Join Us

  • Work With Us
  • Volunteer
  • Donate To Stepping Stone Of San Diego
  • We Are Stepping Stone
  • Stepping Stone Launches Early Intervention Program: StepIn

Newsletter

Persons with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation for service animals and other types of assistance animals, including support animals, under the Fair Housing Act.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 All rights reserved. Return to top

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.