Issues that Addicted LGBT Individuals Face

Issues that Addicted LGBT Individuals FaceMembers of the gay community face many issues unique to their community. A few specialized addiction recovery programs are ready to help address all of these issues, as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals consider getting clean from drugs or alcohol.

The LGBT Community and Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Though it is clear that sexual orientation does not cause addiction, the gay community is at a significantly higher risk for addiction and has a higher percentage of substance abusers than the general population. Details related to LGBT individuals and addiction include the following:

  • Substance abuse continues later into life among addicted LGBT individuals
  • Higher likelihood of self-medication for anxiety, depression or obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Isolation from family and loved ones
  • Emotional turmoil and pain
  • Statistically more likely to engage in risky behavior
  • Higher likelihood of risky sexual behavior while high
  • The need for a sense of community can cause unsafe relationships with drug abusers
  • Secrecy and denial may delay treatment

As with all drug abusers and addicts underlying or co-occurring psychological conditions undermine recovery. Members of the LGBT community benefit significantly from specialized treatment conducted by recovery professionals who understand the unique issues faced by gay addicts.

Specialized Addiction Recovery Programs for the LGBT Community

The principles of drug or alcohol addiction recovery for homosexuals are identical to the principles of recovery for heterosexuals, but the sensitivities and surrounding environment can be significantly different. The goal of all addiction recovery is to allow the addict to detox in a safe and medically supervised environment and to begin the lengthy process of rehabilitating the mind from the psychological effects of chemical dependency. It is this part of recovery that is most challenged by co-occurring psychological issues such as the following:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Process (behavioral) addictions

Fully integrated treatment for any of these or other co-occurring disorders alongside addiction treatment is essential for long-term recovery. LGBT-oriented programs have a special understanding of these issues and increased sensitivities and tools for treating them. The most successful of these programs will offer a long list of recovery tools including the following:

  • Private counseling
  • LGBT addiction support group meetings
  • Education to empower the recovering LGBT addict
  • Comfortable resting conditions
  • Healthy, inclusive and respectful environment for recovery
  • Introduction to new relaxation and coping skills
  • Meditation, yoga and other alternative relaxation therapies
  • 12-step programs with specialized LGBT elements
  • Protection from outside temptations, stressors and triggers
  • Opportunities for family counseling

Find the Best LGBT Treatment Facilities Today

Our toll-free helpline is open 24 hours a day and is staffed by caring experts in addiction recovery. If you are searching for a high-quality LGBT addiction recovery program either for yourself or for someone you love, we can help. We can answer any questions you may have and can even help arrange logistics and manage insurance issues. Recovery is a complicated and fragile process. Call today, and we can help you take the important first steps toward a future free of addiction.