LGBTQIA Individuals and Addiction Treatment
During this year’s pride month it’s worth taking a moment to consider some of the unique challenges the LGBTQIA community face when struggling with addiction. With rates of substance misuse and mental health challenges remaining high in the community, the need for LGBTQIA-specific addiction treatment is higher than ever.
But oftentimes things can be more complex, and addiction rates can be reflections of lingering social biases that affect millions of people across the United States.
Addiction and Sucidality in the LGBTQ Community
Various studies have demonstrated that members of the LGBTQIA community struggle with increased rates of substance misuse and addiction.
Research by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on advocacy for issues affecting the LGBTQIA community, found that over half of LGBTQ youth misused alcohol in the past year, while 34% reported misusing marijuana in the past year.
Perhaps even more worrying, the Trevor Project found that suicide rates amongst LGBTQ youths who misused substances were higher than rates among those who did not. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry also found an elevated risk of suicide-related events in the LGBTQ community. Their study found that bi-sexual individuals were 2.98 times more likely to experience a suicide-related behavior event when compared to heterosexual individuals. Gay and lesbian individuals were found 2.10 times more likely to experience an event.
While it’s important to understand that many factors can contribute to a suicide attempt, alcohol and substance misuse can be a major contributor. Considering that the LGBTQIA community already struggles with discrimination and other stressors, substance misuse and addiction could be worsening mental health and leading to negative outcomes.
The Need for LGBTQIA-Specific Treatment
Oftentimes, due to the unique challenges that LGBTQIA individuals face when dealing with mental health disorders and addiction, specialized treatment programs can lead to positive health outcomes. However, research suggests that there may be a lack of availability of LGBTQ-specific mental health and addiction programs in areas of the United States.
LGBTQIA+ programs are considered a type of culturally competent care, or a health program that considers the unique challenges facing a certain group or demographic. Though there hasn’t been a large, definitive study, various smaller studies have indicated positive health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals who attended LGBTQ-specific programs.
However, these programs may not be accessible to everybody. Only 12.6 percent of mental health facility and 17.6 percent of substance misuse treatment facilities provided LGBTQ-specific programming. This low percentage suggests a lack of availability, despite there being a clear need for accessible, culturally competent care for the community.
LGBTQIA+ Treatment at Greenhouse
Greenhouse Treatment Center, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, is ready to offer patients evidence-based addiction treatment care. Our LGBTQ+ program is specifically designed to address many of the problems potentially affecting members of the community.
Some of the main topics of our LGBTQIA+ program include:
- Building and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Identity awareness and finding belonging.
- Learning coping mechanisms for negative stigmas.
- Exploring family dynamics.
- Support for family members of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Exploring spiritual identity.
- Exploring transgender identity.
- Trauma-informed care.
If you or a loved one is searching for LGBTQIA+ addiction treatment, consider calling Greenhouse Treatment Center today at . Our compassionate staff is ready to discuss your rehab payment options and help you begin the rehab admissions process.