Addiction Treatment for LGBTQ
lgbtq treatment In San Bernardino County
The LGBTQ community faces a number of significant challenges in their day-to-day lives. From discrimination and continued social stigma to family rejection and even intimidation and hate crimes, those in the LGBTQ population face enormous obstacles in trying to live healthy, happy, and secure lives. With the pressures they face, it is not shocking that people in the LGBTQ community turn to substances to cope with stress. More often than not, they become addicted to drugs and alcohol and need professional help to address their substance abuse issues.
While there are many choices people have regarding drug treatment, those in the LGBTQ community have unique and specific needs. An LGBTQ rehab program provides the specialized programming, tools, and support needed to help clients find lasting sobriety.
Are you or a loved one struggling with substance abuse? Do you feel that help is out of reach? Destiny Recovery is a top-tier LGBTQ rehab program that features individualized programs and services tailored specifically for the LBGTQ community. Call us today to learn more about our Redlands drug and alcohol rehab.
Substance Abuse in the LGBTQ Community
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Drug and alcohol abuse in the LGBTQ community is disproportionately higher when compared to other populations. Statistics from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health clearly illustrate the substance abuse issues in the LGBTQ community:
- More than a third of LGBTQ adults 18 and older reported past year marijuana use, compared to 16.2% reported by the overall adult population
- Past year opioid use was also higher, with 9% of LGBTQ individuals aged 18 or older reporting use compared to 3.8% among the overall adult population
- 9% of LGBTQ adults aged 26 or older reported past year misuse of prescription opioids, an increase from the 6.4% who reported misuse in 2017
Numerous factors explain why the substance abuse rate is higher in the LGBTQ population than in other populations. The most obvious is the continued social stigma experienced by those in this community. While there have been great strides taken within the last decade in understanding and acceptance, many in the LGBTQ population face significant homophobia and discrimination. These attitudes are seen in families, friends, co-workers, and total strangers. Examples include workplace discrimination, bullying, and even hate crimes.
Similarly, a continued lack of widespread acceptance and support keeps many people who identify as gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgender remain “in the closet.” The double life they live creates tremendous anxiety and guilt, and many turn to substances to cope with those feelings. Additionally, people in the LGBTQ community may internalize homophobia and feel uncomfortable with themselves.
Also, increased substance abuse rates in this population can also be due to the social environments where they feel safe such as bars, restaurants, and clubs. In these environments, drinking and drug use can be more commonplace and even accepted.
If you are in the LBGTQ community and are struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. Destiny Recovery features evidence-based treatment programs sensitive to the unique needs of gay, bisexual, transgender, and lesbian populations.
Common Addiction and Mental Health Issues in the LGBTQ Community
understanding Addiction in LGBTQ Communtiy
Given the risk factors listed in the previous section, it should come as no surprise those in the LGBTQ community also experience higher rates of mental illness along with addiction. According to information provided in the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
- 6.8 million of those who identify as LGBTQ had a mental illness
- Of those who experience mental illness, 2 in 5 people have a serious mental illness
- 1.9 million in the LGBTQ community aged 18 and older have both a substance use disorder and a mental illness concurrent
According to data provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gay and bisexual men and lesbian and bisexual women report greater odds of frequent mental distress and depression when compared to heterosexual counterparts. Also, transgender children and adolescents have higher levels of depression, suicidality, self-harm, and eating disorders. Additionally, LGBTQ people are at greater risk for contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis due to IV drug use and increased high-risk behaviors such as engaging in unprotected sex.
Is drug addiction ruining your life and destroying the lives of your loved ones? Call Destiny Recovery today and learn more about our LGBTQ Redlands drug and alcohol rehab.
Are There LGBTQ Rehab Centers?
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Given the unique and complex needs of addicts in the LGBTQ community, you may wonder if there are specialized LGBTQ rehab centers. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of facilities offering evidence-based LGBTQ rehab programs. Additionally, some facilities offer specialized LGBTQ addiction treatment. While you or a loved one may choose to seek treatment and any number of treatment facilities, the structure of those programs may not be sensitive to your needs.
In some treatment facilities, staff may have an antagonistic view toward those in the LGBTQ community. There may be some professionals who believe that you need to change yourself or your lifestyle to get help. Also, others in treatment may have intolerant attitudes towards those who identify as gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgender. Whether it is purposeful or not, these attitudes make it extremely difficult for those who identify as LGBTQ to receive and complete a treatment program.
LGBTQ rehab centers feature evidence-based programming created to address this community’s specific needs. These facilities feature a staff with years of proven experience working with this population and fully understands the issues that impact the LGBTQ community.
Destiny Recovery’s LGBQ rehab center in Redlands will give you the tools and support to address and overcome your addiction for good. Call us to learn about Destiny Recovery Center’s Southern California addiction treatment programs.
