LGBTQ and Addiction

The LGBTQ Community And Addiction

Members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) population confront various obstacles, which have contributed to the community’s high rate of addiction.

Substance abuse affects an estimated 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ community, compared to roughly 9% of the general population.

LGBTQ-specific treatment facilities cater to the requirements of the LGBTQ community and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction. This is critical to the healing process. According to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), addiction treatment programmes that include specialised groups for LGBTQ have better outcomes than non-specialised programmes. According to current research, treatment should focus on specific aspects of these patients’ lives, such as homophobia/transphobia, family issues, violence, and social isolation.

These are a few of the difficulties:

• Discrimination or stigmatisation of people because of their sexual orientation.
• Hate crimes, emotional abuse, threats, public humiliation, or ridicule
• Rejection or disgrace from family or friends after coming out
• Loss of job or a lack of advancement

Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is a common practice among LGBTQ people. Substances can help numb unpleasant feelings like despair, worry, anger, or terror for a short time. Although substance addiction may appear helpful initially, suppressing one’s emotions has numerous long-term and harmful implications.

Due to negative stigma and discrimination, transgender people are particularly vulnerable to turning to addictive substances to cope with feelings of worry or loneliness. Transgender students are 2.5 times more likely to use cocaine or methamphetamine, and they are twice as likely to take prescription pharmaceuticals (such as prescription Opioids or Benzodiazepines), according to one study.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders In The LGBTQ Community

One source of internal struggle for members of the LGBTQ community is the fact that they are frequently obliged to live a “closed” life. To avoid rejection, people hide their sexuality from others and live a double life when acting on their sexual preference. Keeping one’s sexuality hidden has a significant psychological cost that can lead to mental health problems and significant emotional suffering.

The following are some of the most common psychological or emotional disorders seen in the LGBTQ community:

• Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety disorder
• High-stress levels
• Self-harming behaviours

An LGBTQ person may be dealing with physical or physiological concerns related to their sexuality and the sociocultural challenges they experience. These factors may also play a role in the development of an addiction and include:

• Compulsive sexual behaviour
• Sexual dysfunction
• Anxiety caused by sex or HIV
• Sexual assault or abuse

Many LGBTQ people have a co-occurring mental or sexual disorder, which has contributed to or perpetuated their substance abuse problem. When deciding which treatment option is best for an LGBTQ person, the focus should be on addressing any co-occurring illnesses to maximise the chances of long-term sobriety.

Drugs Of Choice Within The LGBTQ Community

While numerous substances can be addictive, the five most commonly misused substances in the LGBTQ community are as follows:

Tobacco

Tobacco consumption is up to 200% higher among gay and transgender people than among heterosexuals.

Alcohol

Between 20 and 25% of LGBTQ people suffer from moderate to severe alcoholism.

Marijuana

Gay men are 3.5 times more likely to consume cannabis than straight men.

Amphetamines

The LGBTQ community is 12.2 times more likely to use Amphetamines than the general population.

Heroin

Compared to heterosexuals, LGBTQ people are 9.5 times more likely to use Heroin.

Treatment Centers For The LGBTQ Community

One of the reasons that LGBTQ people may be hesitant to seek help is the scarcity of resources that cater to their specific needs, particularly in certain parts of the United Kingdom.

However, there are a variety of treatment programmes that focus on the isolation that members of the LGBTQ community often feel and the long-term implications of living a “closeted” existence or being discriminated against.

LGBTQ-specific treatment institutions aid in the identification of any co-occurring mental health disorders, allowing for long-term healing and recovery. There is a far higher likelihood of relapse if the underlying cause for using or any problems contributing to addiction are not addressed.

Get The Help You Need

The rate of addiction in the LGBTQ community is worrying, as are the numerous challenges and obstacles these people experience on a daily basis, which might contribute to a substance abuse problem.

You will feel like part of the majority rather than the minority if you visit a recovery clinic that specialises in LGBTQ addiction and care. You will be surrounded by others who can offer support and encouragement.

Contact a treatment provider for assistance if you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction and wants to learn more about treatment alternatives.