Boca Recovery Center, Boca Raton, Florida
- Substance use disorders affect 20 to 30 percent of the LGBTQ population, compared to 8.4 percent of the general population, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. To spread awareness. Although great strides have been made, it’s impossible to ignore the stigma, stress, and discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community face when seeking substance abuse treatment.
Boca Recovery Center, Boca Raton, Florida
LGBTQ+ & Substance Abuse Guide
Even with a number of social advancements for rights, gay and transgender people face overwhelming levels of stigma, stress, and discrimination for their sexual and/or gender identity. Finding a gender-affirming treatment facility, or even a traditional treatment facility that has adequate cultural competency, can be pivotal in helping an LGBTQ+ person get the help they need for their recovery.
BOCA RECOVERY CENTER 24/7 Helpline. Tel: 800-516-4357
LGBTQ+ People & Substance Abuse
In 2015, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that LGBTQ individuals are more than twice as likely to use illicit drugs than straight people. Gay and transgender people (or people who are otherwise in a sexual or gender minority) are more likely to smoke and binge drink alcohol. In the same year as the SAMHSA report, 39.1 percent of LGBTQ+ people reported using illegal drugs.
Rates of drug and alcohol abuse are much higher in the LGBTQ+ population than in the general population for a number of reasons. Many gay and trans people face homophobia and transphobia (respectively) on a day-to-day basis, impacting where they work and where they live. This also impacts their relationships, their family ties, and their spiritual lives.
Even as the last couple of decades have seen incredible improvements for gay and trans rights, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ are still the victims of many forms of social prejudice and stigma. This leads to dangerous levels of stress, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression, one or all of which can contribute to the development of a substance abuse problem.
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