Lesbian Drug Addiction Treatment
The lesbian community experiences levels of drug use generally elevated beyond the mainstream US population. In fact, one Massachusetts study found that one out of three lesbian and bisexual women surveyed had used marijuana within the last year. Among problem drug users, more than 40 percent of lesbian and bisexual women facing drug addiction necessitated professional drug addiction treatment, while an additional 16 percent recognized the need for addiction treatment but had not received adequate help. Lifetime drug use among lesbian and bisexual women was severe for 16.2 percent of those surveyed, while nearly 11 percent engaged in lifetime drug use on a moderate level.
Reasons for Drug Abuse in the Lesbian Community
The reasons for drug addiction in the lesbian community largely center around life challenges and social difficulties. In fact, the Massachusetts study, commissioned by the Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, found that lifetime drug use was heavily correlated with self reports of life problems. For the lesbian community, issues of social and financial estrangement, familial conflicts, unique relationship challenges and experiences of discrimination – from both outside and within the gay community– can lead to drug experimentation, drug abuse and eventually addiction. From attempts to facilitate new social interactions to attempts to cope with familial fears and rejection during the coming out process, the lesbian population faces a series of singular challenges that can engender drug use.
Development of Drug Addiction Among Lesbians
No matter what orientation the patient, drug use at high enough levels will almost always lead to full-blown addiction, as body chemistry begins to adapt to the presence of drugs. Along with the physical dependency that develops as a result of heavy or frequent drug use, patients also must heal psychological aspects of drug addiction. As repeated uses of a substance occur, the brain’s reward pathways begin to activate, drawing a positive association between drug use and pleasure. Additionally, the negative reinforcement of withdrawal symptoms and cravings in the absence of drugs (even during periods of abstinence between uses, or when drug “stashes” temporarily run out) further compound psychological addiction. Furthermore, when addicted individuals begin to use drugs as an emotional escape, social, financial and relational pressures by nature worsen when ignored, leaving drug users with further impetus to repeatedly immerse themselves in drug use.
Finding Lesbian Drug Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love has encountered the pressures associated with lesbian identity, drug addiction may have developed as a result. Compassionate, caring treatment that understands the unique issues involved with lesbian addiction treatment can help you or a loved one achieve lasting sobriety. With tolerant, experienced staff members and peers gathered in a nonjudgmental atmosphere, psychological and physical healing can begin.
Located in some of the most broad-minded regions of the nation, lesbian residential drug treatment programs offer a reprieve in which physical, mental and emotional needs can be addressed and treated. After listening to your story, our experienced counselors can match you with treatment programs across the country that cater to the gay and lesbian population. We invite you to call our toll-free number, 24 hours a day, to speak to a confidential drug addiction counselor about your lesbian addiction treatment needs.
