LGBTQ+ Addiction Struggles: Help and Resources

The month of June is nationally recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, an opportunity for those who make up the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate the freedom that many people take for granted: just being themselves. It is a time to applaud progress while still recognizing the struggles minority groups continue to face. Pride month events are great places to show support and be educated about issues in the LGBTQ+ community.

Why Are So Many LGBTQ+ Individuals Misusing Drugs and Alcohol?

Substance use and addiction is a significant problem in the LGBTQ+ community. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to struggle with an addiction to one or more substances at some point in their lives.¹

In fact, LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to use illicit drugs and nearly twice as likely to have a substance use disorder (addiction to drugs or alcohol).²

Compared to the sexual majority (cis-gendered, heterosexual) population, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals are more likely to:³

• Use drugs and alcohol.
• Engage in substance misuse at higher rates.
• Drink heavily for many years.

The increased rates of substance misuse and addiction in this population are associated with numerous risk factors, which include:^3,4

• Homophobia.
• Discrmination.
• Harassement .
• Violence.

These stressors are unfortunately all too common among the LGBTQ+ community. A 2020 study on the impact of discrimination on LGBTQ adults showed:⁵

• More than 1 in 3 faced discrimination during the past year (more than 3 in 5 transgender individuals).
• Approximately 50% report that discrimination has a moderate or significant negative impact on their mental health.
• More than 50% hide their personal relationship, and up to 33% alter aspects of their personal or professional lives due to fear of discrimination.
• About 33% faced difficulties in accessing affordable medical care. Among transgender individuals, the rate rises to about 50%).
• Approximately 15% (33% for transgender individuals) postpone or avoid medical treatment due to discrimination.

Overall, the study found that many LGBTQ Americans continue to face harassment and discrimination in their personal and professional lives as well as within the public sphere.⁵Living through adverse experiences time and time again may lead LGBTQ+ individuals to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope.

Co-Occurring Disorders in LGBTQ+ Individuals

The discrimination many LGBTQ people face is associated with high rates of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.⁶

In 2019, nearly 13% of all LGBTQ adults with substance use disorder had a co-occurring mental health condition.⁷ LGBTQ+ individuals commonly struggle with:^7,8

• Depression or major depressive episodes.
• Anxiety
• Suicidal ideation.

Unfortunately, between 2015, treatment for most of these individuals was insufficient. More than a quarter (27.4%) received no treatment at all, and nearly 73% received treatment for only one condition. Only just over 13% received integrated treatment for both disorders.

LGBTQ Addiction Treatment Options

Addiction treatment programs tailored for the LGBTQ+ community can address the challenges and struggles unique to this group. Specialized rehab programs for LGBTQ+ individuals address and treat co-occurring mental health disorders to promote healing and recovery.

If you are looking for drug rehab near Tampa, River Oaks Treatment Center offers a specialized addiction treatment program specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals.

In addition to providing evidence-based addiction treatment, education classes and therapies address everything from stigma, discrimination, internalized homophobia, and building healthy relationships. At River Oaks, you will find support, community, and understanding to help you on your journey to recovery. Contact our rehab admissions navigators for help .