People from every background and walk of life can experience addiction. Some groups of people experience a greater risk of developing substance abuse. One such group is the LGBTQ+ community. Understanding this issue can help connect individuals to the resources they need.
Research suggests that certain subgroups within the LGBTQ+ community may have higher rates of substance abuse or addiction issues compared to the general population. Several factors contribute to this, including societal discrimination, stigma, and the stress associated with coming out or dealing with rejection from family or peers. LGBTQ+ individuals may also experience higher rates of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can increase the likelihood of substance abuse as a form of self-medication.
The Prevalence of Addiction in the LGBTQ+ Community
Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community puts an individual at greater risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s (NAMI) “LGBTQI” page, LGBTQ+ individuals experience substance abuse at about twice the rate of the rest of the population. For those specifically within the transgender community, that risk jumps up to four times the rate of the rest of the population.
Substance use in general is also higher among this population. Surveys have demonstrated that members of this community use substances like marijuana and opioids at a greater rate than the rest of the population. LGBTQ+ youth tend to consume illicit substances more than their peers. For individuals 26 and older, the use of prescription opioids for nonmedical reasons has increased. Conversely, it has decreased for those between the ages of 18 and 25.
There is not a significant difference between LGBTQ+ individuals and non-LGBTQ+ individuals in the presence of alcohol use disorder (AUD). When it comes to tobacco and nicotine products like cigarettes and e-cigarettes, however, there is a discrepancy. LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to try smoking and vaping when compared to the rest of the population. This is most pronounced among bisexual men and women.
Upon entering treatment, LGBTQ+ individuals tend to present with a more severe case. They also are more likely to present with a co-occurring disorder like depression or anxiety. This higher prevalence of addiction combined with the greater complexity of symptoms makes it important to seek treatment.
However, it’s essential to note that not all members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle with substance abuse, and many lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Additionally, progress has been made in recent years to provide support and resources specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals, aiming to address these issues and promote overall well-being.
What Puts LGBTQ+ Individuals at Risk?
Part of the reason that the LGBTQ+ community experiences a greater risk of substance abuse is the high prevalence of mental illness within the community. Poor mental health is tied to addiction, as one can affect the other. When someone is experiencing a mental health condition, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies to dull the pain. This often includes the use of substances, which can lead to emotional and physical dependence. The relationship also moves in the opposite direction. Substances cause changes in mood and cognition, which can trigger mental health conditions.
NAMI’s “LGBTQI” page also discusses the causes of mental illness, citing studies on social and familial discrimination. Individuals who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual are over twice as likely as heterosexual individuals to develop mental illness. This phenomenon is even more pronounced in transgender individuals. People belonging to this group face mental health conditions at a rate about four times greater than cisgender individuals. Youth in this community are especially vulnerable to mental illness. Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual report feelings of sadness and hopelessness at twice the rate of heterosexual youth.
Those in the community often must face trauma stemming from rejection. A 2013 survey indicated that 40% of LGBTQ+ adults have experienced some type of rejection from someone close to them. In 2019, a survey revealed that some type of harassment or bullying affected the school experience of 86% of LGBTQ+ students. Rejection is difficult for anyone to deal with. When it is based on immutable characteristics like sexuality or gender expression, this can be even harder to cope with. Someone cannot thrive if they do not feel safe or accepted. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ individuals must navigate these difficult relationships and situations daily.
Considerations for Mental Health Treatment in Austin
When considering treatment at a mental health rehab clinic, LGBTQ+ individuals may have specific concerns and questions related to their unique experiences and needs:
- Are your staff members trained in LGBTQ+ cultural competency and sensitivity? Response: “Yes, our staff at Sage Recovery undergo training to ensure they understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our clients.”
- Do you offer LGBTQ+-affirming therapy and support groups? Response: “Absolutely. We provide therapy and support groups tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing topics such as identity affirmation, coping with discrimination, and building healthy relationships.”
- How do you ensure confidentiality and privacy for LGBTQ+ clients? Response: “Confidentiality is a top priority for us, and we adhere to strict privacy policies to protect the confidentiality of all our clients, including LGBTQ+ individuals. The Sage Team respect your privacy and will not disclose your identity or personal information without your consent.”
- Do you have experience in treating mental health issues that are common among LGBTQ+ individuals, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma related to discrimination? Response: “Yes, our clinicians have extensive experience in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including those commonly experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. We understand the unique challenges you may face, and our treatment plans are tailored to address your specific needs.”
- Are there any LGBTQ+-specific resources or activities available during treatment? Response: “We offer a variety of resources and activities specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, such as workshops on LGBTQ+ affirming therapy techniques, support groups facilitated by LGBTQ+ counselors, and recreational activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion.”
- How do you ensure that the facility is safe and free from discrimination or harassment? Response: “Creating a safe and affirming environment is a top priority for us. We have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind at Sage Recovery, and we take proactive measures to ensure that our facility is a welcoming space for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
- Do you provide access to hormone therapy or other medical treatments for transgender or non-binary individuals? Response: “We work closely with medical professionals to ensure that transgender and non-binary individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses both their mental health needs and any medical treatments they may require, including hormone therapy. Our goal is to support your overall well-being and gender-affirming care.”
The Importance of Treatment
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are struggling with substance abuse, seeing the prevalence of addiction can be disheartening. It might feel like you cannot escape from it because it afflicts so many people within the community. While it is true that addiction is higher within this community, it does not mean you’re doomed. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.
Seeking treatment for your substance use is one of the best decisions you will make. Accepting you need help and gathering the courage to ask for it will set you on a path that will change your life. Starting on this path can look a little different for LGBTQ+ people. Asking for help can bring about feelings of shame and fear for everybody, regardless of their identity. Those not in this community, however, generally do not have to worry about how their sexual or gender identity will play into treatment. You should not have to worry about how your identity will be perceived and potentially affect your care.
One way you can prevent this is by seeking out a professional who has experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals. Some mental health professionals center their entire practice around helping this community. Others are part of the community themselves. Finding someone who makes it clear that they affirm a variety of sexual orientations and gender expressions can help you find a professional capable of supporting you on your recovery journey. There are also organizations focused on providing mental health resources to the LGBTQ+ community, such as The Trevor Project.
Addiction does not discriminate. It impacts the lives of people regardless of who they are or where they are from. Some groups, however, face unique risk factors and challenges that cause them to experience substance abuse at higher rates. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a greater risk of developing an addiction. Sage Recovery understands the need for effective and affirming mental health and SUD care for this population. We offer a range of services to both teens and adults in the LGBTQ+ community. Our services include intensive outpatient programs, a residential treatment program, a variety of groups, and wellness programming. Call us at (512) 306-1394 to learn how we can best meet your needs.