Medically Reviewed
Drug Addiction and Abuse in the LGBTQ Community
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- Why Are So Many LGBTQ Individuals Abusing Drugs?
Jump to Section
- Why Are So Many LGBTQ Individuals Abusing Drugs?

Why Are So Many LGBTQ Individuals Abusing Drugs?
- Stress – Members of the LGBTQ community face high-stress situations on a day-to-day basis. While the last two decades saw significant improvements in gay rights, many LGBTQ individuals are still victims of social prejudice such as stigma, rejection, and discriminatory practices in employment. Chronic stress leads to high levels of anxiety, depression, fear, and anger, and it can increase the risk of substance abuse.
- Coping Mechanism – Some LGBTQ people turn to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs wrongly believing that substance abuse will help them cope with the stressful environment they’re facing. Relying on a substance to handle stress can lead to an addiction.
- Stimulants – Some drugs, like methamphetamines or cocaine, act as stimulants. These drugs give the user more energy, increase their sexual desire, and improves their sexual performance.
- Feel Better About Themselves – Depression is prevalent in the LGBTQ community, so some members turn to opioids or other drugs to feel good about themselves. Drugs produce a massive discharge of dopamine in the nervous system, which leads to feelings of confidence, power, and euphoria.
What Can You Do?
Common treatment options for substance use disorders for LGBTQ individuals include cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, social support therapy, medication-assisted therapy, and motivational interviewing. Sexual minorities often have comorbid or co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This is why research suggests that rehab facilities offering specialized treatment for LGBTQ individuals can significantly improve the outcome.Resources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr077.pdf
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015.htm
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbt-populations
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2732004/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675322/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562142/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696819/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22061339
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbt-populations
- https://www.journalofsubstanceabusetreatment.com/article/S0740-5472(00)00114-8/abstract