LGBTQ Specialized Care
Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) communities face a unique set of challenges in life that unfortunately contribute to a high rate of addiction. In fact, members of the LGBTQ struggle with drug and alcohol addiction rates that are double that of other populations.1,2 Additionally, members of the LGBTQ community who are struggling with addiction face a unique set of challenges in recovery.
Some treatment facilities offer LGBTQ specific programming that helps address these specific challenges. More specifically, these programs will help their clients identify instances that can trigger addictive behaviors and work to teach those struggling with addiction healthier ways to cope and handle those issues as they come up when they leave treatment.
Challenges of the LGBTQ Community
Some of the challenges that members of the LGBTQ face that help facilitate addiction are homophobia, discrimination, hate crimes, loss of employment, rejection, internalized homophobia, and self-loathing. These experiences create large internal conflicts that many LGBTQ members live with throughout their whole lives. As a result, these experiences also often result in other common co-occurring disorders such as major depression, generalized anxiety, stress, and suicidal tendencies.1,3
How is LGBTQ Treatment Different?
In terms of medical care, you may not notice a difference between an LGBTQ program or another unless there are specific medical concerns to address. However, what you will notice a large difference in is the type of therapy and counseling that is provided.
LGBTQ addiction treatment programs offer counseling and therapy with the challenges of homophobia, discrimination, and so on in mind. You will be working with staff who specifically understand those challenges and are empathetic towards your situation as a member of the LGBTQ.
Knowing that a treatment program will be safe and comfortable could be the tipping point for someone on the cusp of attending treatment to make the decision to start. Additionally, knowing that your environment for treatment will be safe and comfortable will promote a stable environment for someone to begin their recovery.
How Available is LGBTQ Treatment?
There are treatment centers out there offering programming similar to what has been mentioned in this article. If you are also dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other co-occurring disorder, you may want to consider a program that offers dual diagnosis treatment in your search.
A recent study of the SAMHSA database of treatment providers found that of 911 treatment providers found that only 7.4% of providers offer LGBTQ specific programming.4 So, while treatment is available, you may need to travel to find this specific type of treatment. While you may be wondering, “is it worth traveling?” One might argue based on a study out of the New York City Metropolitan area that it is worth traveling. That study, in particular, concluded that gay and bisexual men who attended LGBTQ specific treatment had better outcomes than those who had not.5
American Addiction Centers Can help
As a leading provider of addiction treatment in the United States, American Addiction Centers specializes in dual diagnosis addiction treatment for those with co-occurring disorders. Our treatment model helps people medically stabilize, identify the root causes of their addiction and mental health issues, and teaches them healthier ways to cope with their addiction.
Greenhouse Treatment Center
Our Greenhouse Facility in Dallas, TX offers LGBTQ specific programming. In our treatment plan, you will learn about the history of addiction in the LGBTQ, how to cultivate healthy relationships, deal with complex family dynamics, and handle the stigma and stereotypes associated with being a member of the LGBTQ community.6
Our team at Greenhouse understands the struggles the LGBTQ population endures: the high stress of work, likely exposure to trauma, and the unique relationship issues that are often faced. Our team’s purpose at Greenhouse is to let you know you’re not alone, help you heal, and start a better life.6
If you would like to learn more about Greenhouse in Dallas, please call our free and confidential helpline at .
Still Have Questions?
Learning about addiction treatment can be a lot to digest. At American Addiction Centers, we understand you may still have some questions. In fact, we want you to have everything you need to feel comfortable asking for help.
After reading this article, most people are wondering either how to get started or what to expect when they call a substance abuse helpline. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Check out our guides below: