discuss unique treatment issues when counseling addicts from the lgbt community

Current research suggests that treatment should address unique factors in these patients’ lives, such as homophobia/transphobia, family problems, violence, and social isolation. Challenges The LGBTQ Community Faces The LGBTQ community suffers from higher rates of substance abuse than the population as a whole.

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Can the LGBT community get treatment for drug and alcohol addiction?

In order to offer the LGBT community effective treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, as every person who suffers from substance abuse deserves, we have to recognize these unique factors and take steps to address them. About the Author: Molly is a content writer for All About Recovery, located in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

What are the barriers to addiction treatment for LGBT people?

LGBT Specific Barriers to Treatment. Unemployment and poverty rates are particularly high among transgender people. With less financial resources, many members of the LGBT community can’t afford things like drug and alcohol addiction treatment, or may only have access to sub-par, underfunded public programs.

Is family counseling an option for the LGBT community?

“Behavioral therapy is a part of treatment, and this includes family counseling, peer support, and group therapy.”. Family therapy and group therapy may also be tough. Given the levels of estrangement and homelessness in the LGBT community, having family counseling sessions may not even be an option.

Why does the LGBTQ community have a higher rate of substance abuse?

The LGBTQ community suffers from higher rates of substance abuse than the population as a whole. This is due in part to a number of societally imposed obstacles that they face, often on a daily basis, that those who identify as heterosexual typically don’t. Oftentimes, LGBTQ individuals will turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate.

What is addiction treatment?

Addiction treatment is a highly personal process for every human being who struggles with drug or alcohol use. Every single time an individual seeks treatment, they carry with them their entire life experience. In order to effectively treat LGBT individuals for addiction and offer them a chance to live happy and fulfilled lives, we need specialized treatment that honors that unique life experience.

Where is All About Recovery located?

All About Recovery, located in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. All About Recovery offers age- and gender-specific outpatient and IOP addiction treatment as well as sober living facilities in South Florida.

What is LGBTQ specific rehab?

LGBTQ-specific rehab centers help pinpoint any co-occurring mental health disorders, which helps with lasting healing and recovery. Without addressing the underlying reason to use or any conditions that may be contributing to an addiction, there is a far greater chance for relapse.

Why are LGBTQ+ people hesitant to get help?

One of the reasons that LGBTQ+ individuals may be hesitant to get help is the lack of resources available to them that address their individual needs , especially in certain areas of the United States.

How long does it take to get sober in a rehab?

With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings. Learn More. In addition to the societal challenges they face, an LGBTQ+ individual may also be experiencing physical or health issues related to their sexuality.

How much more likely are gay men to use marijuana than straight men?

Gay men are 3.5 times more likely to use marijuana than straight males. Amphetamines. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are 12.2 times more likely to use amphetamines. Heroin. LGBTQ+ individuals are 9.5 times more likely to use heroin than heterosexual individuals. Scroll to Find Your Insurance.

What are the psychological disorders of LGBTQ+ people?

Common psychological or emotional disorders among the LGBTQ+ community include: Major depression. Generalized anxiety disorder. High levels of stress.

What is the internal conflict of LGBTQ+ people?

An aspect that may provide internal conflict for members of the LGBTQ+ community is that oftentimes , they are forced to live a “closeted” life. This is where they hide their sexuality from others in fear of rejection, and lead a double life in regards to acting on their sexual orientation.

Why do LGBTQ+ people turn to alcohol?

Oftentimes, LGBTQ+ individuals will turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate from the prejudice they face in everyday society. Substances can help temporarily numb uncomfortable feelings they may be experiencing, such as depression, anxiety, anger or fear.

What is stigma in addiction?

Stigma is a significant barrier for most individuals considering professional treatment for addiction. For the LGBTQ community, stigma of sexuality – along with stigma of substance abuse – can present a uniquely challenging barrier. For many, past homophobic experiences from healthcare providers and public authorities can dissuade an individual from seeking addiction treatment. Unfortunately, issues such as family rejection, self-loathing, and a fear of disclosing their sexual identity can all lead to an underrepresentation of LGBTQ people in addiction treatment.

Is LGBTQ treatment low?

While the LGBTQ community displays higher rates of substance abuse and mental illness than the general population, the percentage of LGBTQ-responsive treatment facilities in the U.S. remains low. Although this is slowly changing, the benefits of offering specialized LGBTQ addiction treatment are uniquely important for the demographic.

Do LGBTQ people have substance use disorders?

LGBTQ individuals have a higher likelihood of having a substance use disorder when compared to non-LGBTQ persons during their lifetime. What's more, their substance use disorders are more severe when entering LGBT addiction treatment centers.

Is homosexuality a mental illness?

Until 1973, homosexuality was considered a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association. It's in this year that homosexuality was removed from the mental disorders diagnostic and statistical manual. This manual is used as the mental illness diagnostic tool universally. Many years later, homosexuality is considered a normal human expression variation. However, there is still rampant bigotry against members of the LGBT community. The stigma around homosexuality is also present when it comes to seeking treatment for substance abuse. And this makes finding treatment for drug addiction difficult for some individuals that identify themselves as LGBTQ.

What are the most common drugs used by LGBT people?

A study in the UK reported in the Independent found that the drugs most widely used by LGBT individuals were party drugs – cannabis , poppers, cocaine, Ecstasy, ketamine, and amphetamines. Learn More.

What is group counseling?

Group counseling and peer support can be a large part of treatment programs. Being surrounded by other people like oneself helps build community and openness, which boost the efficacy of treatment. Many clinics offer specialty groups for gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender clients.

What is non-LGBT friendly?

In non-LGBT-friendly settings, LGBT individuals might experience verbal or physical abuse from other clients or even staff. A study of LGBT-specific treatment programs in Substance Use & Misuse found that about 12 percent of treatment facilities reported that they offered LGBT-specific services.

What are the risks of transgender people taking estrogen?

Transgender people smoke tobacco at high rates (45 to 74 percent). For transgender women taking estrogen, this can greatly increase the risk of blood clots. Other drugs of concern include marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, methamphetamine, and injected drugs.

Why is dual diagnosis important?

A nonjudgmental environment helps overcome feelings of shame or self-blame. When it comes to co-occurring issues of substance abuse and mental health, dual diagnosis treatment can be the best way to help you start a new healthy life in recovery. Call us today to learn more about how dual diagnosis care can help.

Why do people use drugs?

One of the most common reasons that people use drugs and alcohol is to cope with stress. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people are likely to experience more stress than their heterosexual counterparts. Stressful circumstances might include:

Do LGBT people have access to mental health?

These circumstances make it crucial for LGBT individuals to have access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. However, the issues that LGBT individuals face may present additional difficulties when finding the right treatment program.

What are the challenges LGBTQ people face in therapy?

Many of the concerns and life challenges LGBTQ people bring to therapy are those common among all people. All couples argue over many of the same things—money, sex, the in-laws, quality time—and all people are subject to the same kinds of daily stressors, such as mood swings, workplace concerns, or low self-esteem.

Why was Rachelle recommended to the therapist?

The therapist, who was recommended due to her experience with transgender individuals, explores with Rachelle her personal history: when she first knew she was a woman, her difficulties trying to conform to a male identity, and her expectations for life going forward.

How to diagnose gender dysphoria?

Diagnosis of gender dysphoria requires: 1 A notable conflict between their gender identity or expression and the gender they were assigned at birth that persists for at least six months. 2 Measurable impairment or distress in routine functions, such as social or professional, as a result of the condition.

What does a therapist do for Rachelle?

The therapist also helps Rachelle process her feelings of sadness, anxiety, and anger about the way she has been treated by her family because of her gender identity . They also discuss possible complications of transition and the varied feelings Rachelle may experience after the surgery.

Is homosexuality a mental disorder?

Early editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) identified homosexuality as a mental disorder, until clinical research demonstrated sexual or romantic attraction to someone of the same gender is a normal, healthy, positive form of human sexuality.

Is it an exclusionary act to group people who are not heterosexual?

Some individuals argue the practice of grouping those who are not heterosexual or cisgender (or neither) under this acronym, which may or may not accurately represent their particular sexual orientation or identity, is itself an exclusionary act.

Is sexual orientation therapy banned?

Several organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association, oppose sexual orientation change therapy, also known as conversion or reparative therapy, and many states either have banned the practice or are considering bills to ban the practice, particularly for minors.

What is the American Psychological Association's guidelines for psychological practice with LGB individuals?

The American Psychological Association has issued guidelines for psychological practice with LGB individuals to draw attention to key issues affecting this population. My current research gathers empirical evidence for translating this guidance into empirically supported practice.

How does minority stress affect LGB?

Minority stress can teach LGB individuals that they are underserving of the same rights and opportunities afforded heterosexuals. Previous exposure to stigma can lead LGB individuals to self-silence, even in situations in which it would be most adaptive to openly express one’s needs, opinions, wants, and desires.

Why is social support important for LGB?

Given the importance of social support for buffering against minority stress, this principle helps LGB individuals build supportive families, relationships, and communities, and strengthen existing connections. Affirm healthy, rewarding expressions of sexuality.

Is minority sexuality addressed in mainstream sources of sex education?

Further, sexual minority sexuality is not often addressed in mainstream sources of sex education, such as from parents and schools. Therefore, this principle seeks to affirm healthy, rewarding aspects of sexuality among LGB individuals as a way to promote mental, sexual, and behavioral health in this population.

Is LGB more likely to be heterosexual?

In the past several years, psychologists have found that despite most LGB people being resilient and not experiencing mental health problems, LGB individuals on average are significantly more likely than heterosexuals to report experiencing certain ...

Challenges The LGBTQ Community Faces

Drugs of Choice Within The LGBTQ Community

• While many substances can be addictive, there are five that are abused most frequently within the LGBTQ community. 1. TobaccoGay and transgender individuals use tobaccoup to 200% more than those who identify as heterosexual. 2. AlcoholBetween 20 and 25% of the LGBTQ community have moderate to severe alcohol dependency. 3. MarijuanaGay men are 3.5 t...

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