How to Remain Active in the LGBT Community without Drinking or Using Drugs
The LGBT community may seem to revolve around alcohol, drugs, and partying, and this can be a problem if you are an addict. If you are new to a community or city and wish to avoid the party scene, or if you are recovering from addiction and are trying to make new friends, there are many ways to stay involved.
Pursue a Hobby That Has an LGBT Organization
In metropolitan areas with a large LGBT population, there are often many groups and clubs to get involved with. The following are some suggestions for social clubs for a recovering addict in the LGBT community:
- Sports teams – Running groups, softball leagues and other sports teams for men, women, or both exist that are all-inclusive or that are designed for LGBT people. There are even national competitions for some of these teams.
- Book clubs – There are many LGBT book clubs that focus on gay authors or analyze works of literature from a gay perspective. Universities, book stores or individuals may host a book club.
- Game nights – Non-profit LGBT organizations often host board game nights or other social events. Some of these non-profit groups are founded to support LGBT people who are in recovery from addiction, and they will prohibit drugs from these events.
- Outdoor clubs – Depending on your geographical area there may be LGBT hiking or rock climbing groups nearby.
Depending on where you live and how big of a LGBT population there is, it may be more difficult to find a social organization for the LGBT community. If you are having difficulties finding one, starting an organization such as a gay straight alliance can be a great way to meet new people.
LGBT Special Events that Don’t Involve Drugs or Alcohol
Becoming involved with Gay Pride, a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, or other annual event can be a great way to meet like-minded people and stay involved. While these events may only happen once a year, the planning often happens year-round. Helping to make a successful event happen can be challenging and rewarding.
Some events and organizations may not be specifically LGBT people but may be gay-friendly and have a thriving LGBT community within the organization. Many hobby conventions, such as sci-fi and fantasy conventions, are gay-friendly and can be a good way to become more involved.
Join an Online LGBT Community
More and more people are finding satisfying relationships and communities through online resources. Some cities even have news sites that focus on gay-friendly events and businesses around town. There are forums that focus on a variety of interests, such as comic books, books, or current events; there are more casual sites that exist solely to encourage LGBT people to meet and get to know each other. This is a great way to stay involved with a LGBT community if you live in a small town without a lot of organized resources.
Addiction Recovery for LGBT Individuals
LGBT addicts may find it more intimidating to seek treatment for addiction. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, call our toll-free helpline now; we are available 24 hours a day. We can help you find treatment that accepts LGBT individuals.
