The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges that can contribute to higher rates of substance use. According to American Progress, it’s estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of gay and transgender people misuse substances, compared to about 9 percent of the general population. Many people who identify as LGBTQ+ face daily pressures with discrimination and stigma, leading them towards substances to cope.
While no single change will fix the issues that LGBTQ+ people experience, there are things we can do to improve the lives of these individuals and lower their rates of substance use, mental health disorders, and suicide/self-harm.
Let’s explore the reasons why substance use rates are higher among the LGBTQ+ community and key strategies for inclusive, comprehensive, and compassionate care. A better life is possible.
Understanding the Unique Challenges of the LGBTQ+ Population
Life is hard enough on its own, let alone when you are in the minority. While people are fighting for gay and transgender equality, we are far from achieving this. Issues like marriage, workplace discrimination, and health care continue to dominate the headlines, and it’s clear that not everyone is in favor of supporting gay and transgender rights. Furthermore, the overall equality and well-being of these individuals don’t receive much attention.
Below are some of the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces—often daily.
Higher rates of substance use
LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of drug or alcohol use compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Consider that 25 percent of gay and transgender people abuse alcohol, compared to 5 to 10 percent of the general population. Furthermore, men who have sex with men are 12.2 times more likely to use amphetamines, 3.5 times more likely to use marijuana, and 9.5 times more likely to use heroin compared to men who don’t have sex with men.
Co-occurring mental health disorders
LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These conditions are also likely to co-occur with substance use disorders, creating a complex interplay that requires integrated treatment. According to the Trevor Project, 73 percent of LGBTQ+ youth reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and 58 percent reported symptoms of depression. Even more disheartening is that 45 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. To self-treat the symptoms of anxiety and depression, some people turn to drugs or alcohol, which can lead to addiction.
Lack of support
Another challenge that LGBTQ+ individuals face is a lack of support from family and social circles. This can quickly lead to isolation, stigma, and shame, exacerbating substance use and hindering recovery efforts. The Trevor Project reports that 60 percent of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to receive it, and fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and non-binary youth found their home to be gender-affirming.
Key Strategies for Treatment
To effectively treat SUDs in the LGBTQ+ community, it’s essential to create a safe and inclusive environment. This begins with training healthcare providers in LGBTQ+ cultural competence and ensuring that treatment settings are welcoming and affirming, implementing policies that respect and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals, including the use of preferred names and pronouns. Furthermore, it’s important for treatment to be comprehensive and to consider the unique experiences and stressors of LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes screening for trauma and mental health disorders.
Integrated treatment plans that address both substance use disorders and mental health disorders are essential for effective recovery. These plans should be personalized, considering the individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and specific life experiences. Other key components of treatment include LGBTQ+-specific therapy, supportive group therapy, education and advocacy, community and social support, and aftercare.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Addiction Treatment in Agoura Hills, CA
Awakenings Treatment Center has an LGTBQ+ mental health and addiction recovery program that addresses substance use, poor mental health, eating disorders, and trauma. We create a supportive and welcoming community where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and explore who they want to be without judgment. Our program supports coming out, bullying, relationship concerns, workplace issues, self-esteem, and more. Let us support you and your family. Contact us today for a free, confidential assessment.
