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Oxycontin Withdrawal
Percocet Abuse
Xanax Withdrawal
Methamphetamine Detox
Cocaine Addiction
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning and you are suffering from a drug addiction, help is available. If your addiction is taking over your life and you are filled with guilt and shame, there is hope. Let Recovery Connection® help you find a treatment program that addresses LGBT needs in a gay-friendly alcohol and drug rehab. Recovery Connection’s confidential helpline services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at .
Research has shown that the impact of heterosexism, homophobia, prejudice and discrimination experienced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community is reflected in a higher than average incidence of drug addiction, alcoholism, mental health issues and even suicide. The issues surrounding sexuality, gender identity, sexual identity, social position, family dynamics, and issues around coming out can be complex.
According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse report, studies indicate that LGBTQ people are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, have higher rates of substance abuse, and are more likely to use substances later in life. Studies also illustrate drug patterns and drug preferences that are found within the LGBTQ demographic. These issues and other cultural norms need to be addressed in treatment.
Shame is often identified as a major component in the progression of drug addiction. Shame among the LGBT population may be additionally compounded. LGBT individuals sometimes carry a great deal of shame when they feel they have failed to live up to the expectations of their heterosexual families. Drugs or alcohol may be an effort to deal with a sense of loss and betrayal. Upon entering a gay-friendly drug rehab program, professionals will help patients sift through their feelings and behavioral patterns.
Methamphetamine and amphetamine abuse among gay men is high, especially among those communities in urban settings. The popularity of the club scene among gay men makes club drug abuse more prevalent. For example, ecstasy (XTC), GHB, and cocaine are common drugs of abuse. For lesbians, alcohol seems to be the substance of choice, but they do abuse drugs as well.
Succumbing to drug and alcohol addiction disrupts personal growth, making it difficult for a member of the LGBT community to sustain healthy relationships and preserve self-esteem without treatment.
In 2010, California's LGBT Constituency Committee and the LGBT Tristar released a report on substance abuse treatment and prevention programs in California. The report indicated that a "national study of treatment programs across the United States identified that only 7% had any services tailored for LGBT (GLBTQ) populations."
(source: http://www.adp.ca.gov/Advisory/CC/pdf/LGBT_Standards.pdf)
Without specific gay-friendly treatment components, a LGBTQ person is at increased risk of leaving treatment without addressing the underlying issues relating to substance abuse and addiction.
In 2001, SAMHSA released a treatment protocol for treatment providers to address the issues of the LGBTQ community in substance abuse programs. Among many recommendations, SAMHSA's working group advised that "counselors, therapists, administrators, and facility directors have increased awareness for LGBT clients".
Sadly, the number of gay-friendly rehab providers who have developed specific LGBTQ tracts and who have trained staff for this population remains lacking nationwide. The issues related to living as a LGBT person must be addressed to help a patient overcome internal struggles that can lead to substance abuse and relapse. Treatment must be facilitated by gay-friendly counselors and therapists to avoid further unconscious victimization of patients.
The addict or alcoholic will still need to address his or her addiction simultaneously. Best practices require group and individual counseling and life skills training that include identifying healthy leisure activities, relapse prevention, dual diagnosis treatment, aftercare plans and a host of other treatment components to ensure a comprehensive program.
The specific issues common to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community that need to be part of a gay-friendly drug rehab program include:
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