Pride Month: The LGBTQ+ Community & Substance Use

Each June, our nation celebrates Pride Month—a time we proudly celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning community and honor their struggles for equal rights.

Pride Month also shines a spotlight on issues that uniquely impact this group. Drug and alcohol addiction is one issue that disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals. The LGBTQ+ community is often at higher risk for substance use disorders due to factors such as social stigma, discrimination, and harassment.

According to data from 2022, lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults report higher rates of mental illness, binge drinking, marijuana use, opioid misuse, and illicit drug use when compared to straight adults. This same data demonstrates that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are significantly more likely to have a substance use disorder than their heterosexual counterparts.

Unfortunately, as few as 1% of adults with a substance use disorder who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual seek treatment. This leaves far too many individuals without the help they need to recover.

At River Oaks Treatment Center, we work diligently to connect people with effective care. Our compassionate medical team tailors each person’s addiction treatment plan to their individual needs.

We also offer specialized treatment tracks at our inpatient rehab near Tampa, such as our addiction treatment program for the LGBTQ+ community. The program provides a safe, supportive environment where participants can address personal issues and how they relate to substance use.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call us at to learn more about your treatment options and start the path to recovery today.

Local Pride Month Events Near Tampa, FL

Looking to celebrate Pride Month in the Tampa area this June? Check out these local events:

Shades of Pride Juneteenth Celebration
The Factory, 2606 Fairfield Ave S., St. Pete
Friday, June 14 – Saturday, June 15
5:30 pm – 3:00 am, 1:00 pm – 3:00 am

Polk Pride in the Park
Munn Park, 201 E. Main Street, Lakeland
Saturday, June 15
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Market: Pride Celebration
971 Water Street, Tampa
Sunday, June 16
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

St. Pete Pride Parade Festival
North & South Straub Parks, 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Pete
Saturday, June 22
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Queer and Fearless: A Pride Celebration with Rob Sanders
Allendale United Methodist Church, St. Pete
Tuesday, June 25
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Pooches for Pride
102 2nd Ave NE, St. Pete
Wednesday, June 26
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm