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brightfuturesrehabcenterpos-blog · 7 years

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LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND ADDICTION

The LGBTQ Community’s rates of drug abuse are significantly higher than that of other groups. Some of the pressures of society, discrimination as well as co-occurring disorders just breach the surface of reasoning when it comes to triggering drug abuse and addiction within the LGBTQ Community.

Addiction in the LGBTQ Community

LGBTQ Community members (“LGBTQ” is an abbreviation that originated in the 1990s and replaced what was formerly known as “the gay community.” The abbreviation was created to be more inclusive of diverse groups. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (and/or questioning) individuals/identities.) face several challenges which contribute to a high rate of addiction.

20-30% of the LGBTQ community abuses illicit substances, in comparison to approximately 9% of the general population abuse illicit substances leaving the LGBTQ community with a substantially higher rate of addiction and alcoholism than other communities.

TLGBTQ rehab programs are extremely sensitive to the needs of these individuals and also address the underlying issues that have led to their addiction or alcoholism. The underlying issues or root causes of their addiction is of monumental importance when treating an LGBTQ community member for drug addiction and alcoholism within a rehabilitation center.

LGBTQ and Challenges to the Community as a Whole

Compared to the general population drug addiction and alcoholism is at a disproportionate rate within the LGBTQ community. This is due in large part to the challenges they face within our society daily. Most who identify as heterosexual typically won’t face the pressure a Gay Man or Woman may face. Just breaching the surface of challenges here are a few:

Their sexual orientations stigmatization and discrimination

Ridicule, public humiliation, threats, emotional or physical abuse and hate crimes.

Rejection from friends and family.

Work related discrimination and lack of equal opportunity.

Self-hatred or internalized homophobia.

Very often, LGBTQ individuals will turn to the abuse of drugs or alcohol as a way to numb themselves from the feeling produced by prejudice they have to face in today’s society. Drugs and Alcohol and other illicit substances can numb the feelings of depression, fear, anxiety or fear.

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The LGBTQ Communities Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Many within the community are either unaware they’re gay or lesbian or in the closet (hiding it) from their friends and family which causes a great deal of pressure for the individual. Living in the closet or hiding it, puts a lot of pressure on an individual. Many lead double lives for fear of rejection and judgment instead of coming “out of the closet.” Keeping your sexual identity quiet is a huge toll on a person’s psyche which could lead to emotional and mental disorders.