Helping a LGBT Person Cope with Addiction
Addiction is an important issues that affect thousands of people within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) community across the United States.
Accumulating evidence shows that individuals who identify as sexual minorities have higher rates of cigarette smoking and binge drinking and are more than twice as likely to use illicit drugs when compared to their heterosexual counterparts.1 These individuals are also more likely to have substance use disorders and to be in need of substance abuse treatment.
How Can You Help an LGBTQ Person Cope with Addiction?
Supporting an LGBTQ+ loved one struggling with addiction requires understanding, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a safe and affirming environment. It’s crucial to recognize the unique challenges they may face, such as stigma, discrimination, and the complex interplay between their identity and substance use.
Provide Support
Whether or not a member of the LGBTQ community receives support for their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is one of the primary influences on substance use and abuse. Study findings indicate that experiencing more reactions of rejection (to the disclosure of one’s minority sexual identity) is associated with greater alcohol or drug use.2
Other research has shown that LGBTQ individuals whose family provides acceptance and support are less likely to have substance abuse problems with drugs or alcohol.3-4
Refer Them to a Specialized Treatment Program
Like anyone else suffering from addiction, LGBTQ individuals need to participate in a substance abuse treatment program. However, members of the LGBTQ community with substance abuse problems need to be treated by addiction specialists that understand their personal, social, and psychological needs.
In addition to the treatment of their addiction, a LGTBQ program should also have unique features that include:5
- Help coping with issues such as discrimination, prejudice, coming out, family rejection, lack of social support, stigma, minority stress, abuse, and harassment.
- Treatment of co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
- Addressing the mistrust of healthcare providers within transgender community.
- Management of any hormonal treatments during rehab therapies.
- A separate unit or facility that is welcoming to those identifying as a sexual minority.
- Specialized treatment modalities for different substances and addictions.
- Safe and supportive treatment environment (including LGBTQ affirming staff).
Treatment Options
Studies show that LGBTQ-specific programs are more effective at treating substance abuse in these individuals because they address unique issues that are often overlooked in traditional programs.6
Interviews with LGBTQ individuals after treatment indicate that these types of specialized programs are overwhelmingly preferred over standard treatment programs.7 Unfortunately, despite the high rate of LGTBQ individuals seeking treatment, there are surprisingly few programs specifically geared toward treating LGBTQ patients.8-9
It is therefore important that you research the location and availability of such programs so that you can refer your loved one to a professional rehab facility that provides this type of specialized care.
LGBTQ Addiction Treatment Programs Near You
Finding the right addiction treatment program can be crucial, especially for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who need a safe and understanding environment. Fortunately, there’s a growing number of specialized programs across the country, including those offered through American Addiction Centers’ network of rehabs.
If you’re seeking help for a loved one struggling with addiction, our compassionate admissions navigators are ready to assist you. Call to explore treatment options tailored to their needs. We can answer your questions about payment options, insurance verification, and the recovery process. Don’t wait – reach out today and take the first step towards helping your loved one reclaim their life.
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