Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence in the gay and lesbian populations

1. The prevalence of drug addiction, substance abuse and alcoholism is higher in the gay and lesbian community than in the general population.
2. Gay identity formation may be linked to the increased prevalence of drug addiction and alcoholism.
3. Fewer gay and lesbian clients enter addiction treatment programs and alcohol rehab than heterosexual.
4. Drug addiction and alcohol addiction may be linked to unsafe sexual practices.
5. Most alcohol rehab and addiction treatment centers do not address the special needs of the gay and lesbian populations.
6. Lesbians may have additional needs beyond that of the gay man including child related and domestic violence issues.
Overall Effect:
1. Early work in the alcoholism treatment field estimated the rates of drug addiction and drug and alcohol dependence in gay men to be greater than 30%.
2. Population-based samples of gay and heterosexual men in the mid 80’s found substantially higher rates of drug use among gay men than heterosexual men. This result was true for both urban and rural areas.
3. There is no clear consensus on the actual prevalence, as most of the studies have had methodological errors including poor or absent control groups, unrepresentative samples (e.g. gathered data from bars), failure to use uniform definitions or substance abuse and dependence, or of homosexuality, and the “closet factor”.
4. Lesbians appear to have an equal prevalence of substance abuse and alcohol dependence as compared to gay men, and have a higher prevalence than heterosexual women.

If you are seeking a gay friendly alcohol rehab or drug rehab go to , www.gay-rehab.com for help or you might want to call the national drug rehab helpline to find an alcohol treatment facility in your area, 1-800-511-9225.