Rates of substance abuse, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders are disproportionately higher among people on the LGBTQ spectrum than in other demographics of society. Long-standing discrimination has made finding LGBTQ addiction treatment programs challenging in the past. In recent years, changes in perceptions have made it easier for LGBTQ individuals to find inclusive treatment, including a trauma therapy program.
Many people who identify as LGBTQ have experienced discrimination publically, in their relationships, or both. Addiction and mental health programs that are LGBTQ-inclusive focus on providing a safe environment that promotes overall wellbeing while advocating for the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals.
Addiction Within the LGBTQ Community
Studies show that individuals who identify as gay or lesbian are twice as likely as their heterosexual or cisgender counterparts to experience substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Those who identify as bisexual are three times more likely, and those who are transgender or questioning are five times more likely to have a severe substance use disorder.
Despite growing acceptance, members of the LGBTQ community continue to face homophobia and discrimination from strangers, schoolmates, co-workers, friends, family, and the medical community. Some of the obstacles they face include:
- Prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Rejection from family and friends
- Exclusion from social groups and activities
- Physical, sexual, and mental abuse
- Hate crimes, threats, and public humiliation
- Employment and housing loss
- Internalized self-hatred
Many individuals turn to alcohol and drug use to cope with their mental and emotional pain. While this may initially provide temporary relief, they quickly develop a psychological and physical dependence on these substances, leading to abuse and addiction.
LGBTQ Trauma and Addiction
Trauma refers to a deeply disturbing or distressing experience that threatens an individual’s sense of safety and wellbeing. There are three specific types of trauma:
- Acute trauma results from a single traumatic event
- Chronic trauma results from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events
- Complex trauma results from exposure to multiple and varied traumatic events, which are usually invasive and interpersonal
Individuals who identify on the LGBTQ spectrum are typically victims of complex trauma, which can be a combination of any of the following frequently reported within the LGBTQ community:
- Bullying
- Being the target of hate crimes
- Being rejected or disowned by family and friends
- Social stigmatization
- Discrimination and prejudice
- Homelessness
- Being the victim of physical, mental, or sexual abuse
As a result of these experiences, those who identify as LGBTQ often hide or suppress their true identity and develop internalized homophobia, contributing to ongoing trauma. Over time, this untreated trauma leads to mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm. As a result, many individuals withdraw and isolate themselves to avoid the pain of harassment, ridicule, or rejection. In turn, this isolation and loneliness compounds their mental health symptoms and fuels substance abuse and addiction.
Understanding the Need for Inclusive Addiction Treatment
Members of the LGBTQ community have historically faced challenges getting the healthcare they need without bias or discrimination, including treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. Recognizing the unique issues of those who identify as LGBTQ and understanding how to account for them in a treatment program is crucial to providing a safe, comfortable environment for LGBTQ clients to pursue recovery.
LGBTQ-Inclusive treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders needs to address issues that impact overall wellbeing, such as:
- Gender identity and sexual orientation
- Coming out
- Social stigmas, prejudice, and discrimination
- The link between trauma and substance use disorders
- Healthy sexuality
- Internalized homophobia
- Mental health impacts of trauma
Too often, LGBTQ individuals have had to spend their lives trying to conform to norms that are not in line with their identity, leaving them feeling alienated or disconnected. This is a critical reason for the need for inclusive addiction and mental health treatment that addresses the specific needs of LGBTQ individuals.
LGBTQ-Inclusive Addiction Treatment is Available
There is a strong connection between trauma and addiction among members of the LGBTQ community. Leaders in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders have programs that address the specific needs of the LGBTQ community in recovery. Embrace your authentic self, break the cycle of addiction, and experience the healing you deserve through LGBTQ-inclusive addiction treatment.
