Recent studies have compared rates of addiction in the LGBTQ community to the general population. The differences are pretty stark indeed. In fact, the LGBTQ community suffers from substance abuse issues of one kind or another at approximately twice the rate of the heterosexual mainstream. Comparatively, only about 10 percent of the general population struggles with addiction.
With these figures in mind, many have concluded that the social stigmatization and isolation of the LGBTQ community has made them more vulnerable to addiction and substance abuse. It’s important to note, too, that people turn to drugs and alcohol when they are stressed, facing problems in life, or have an area of life that they cannot confront. Studies have shown that individuals in the LGBTQ community tend to suffer more from anxiety, stress, and depression. Here, ILoveGay.net shares some important facts to help you understand this critical issue facing the LGBTQ community.
Why the LGBTQ Community Suffers Disproportionately Suffers
Every day, individuals in the LGBTQ community face discrimination, societal shame, and stigma. As mentioned above, statistically speaking, this is a lot more common in LGBTQ individuals than it is in others. This rejection can come from a variety of sources, including landlords, employers, neighbors, churches, and all too often, family members.
When a person battles these daily prejudices, it can take a toll on his or her mental health and well-being – often more so than he or she might initially be aware of. When society is constantly telling such individuals that their gender identity or sexual orientation is somehow wrong, they might even begin to internalize these feelings for themselves. If one hears, “There’s something wrong with you” often enough, one might actually begin to believe it. This acceptance of the negative views projected onto LGBTQ people can lead to feelings of self-doubt and self-hatred, as well as anxiety, depression, and shame.
When faced with these feelings, some LGBTQ people may not know where to turn, so they try to find relief in any manner that is possible to them. Unfortunately, this outlet often comes in the form of drug or alcohol abuse. While this may provide temporary relief from the above-listed feelings, it frequently leads to addiction, even death.
How Inadequate Health Care Contributes to High Addiction Rates
Unfortunately, many healthcare facilities, doctors, nurses, and staff members are untrained, unaware, or simply ambivalent as to the unique and specific problems facing the LGBTQ community. Because of this, even when addicts from this community reach out for help, they are often met with inadequate or ineffective services and do not get the assistance they need.
When faced with these challenges, addicted members of the LGBTQ community often don’t receive the proper care they need to recover from substance abuse. Thus, they are more likely to relapse or require additional treatment before being able to maintain sobriety. The condition is further exacerbated by the fact that because addiction and substance abuse is so immensely common in this community, even when an LGBTQ individual has beaten addiction through rehab, he or she will often be exposed to addictive substances again and could relapse as a result.
The healthcare system especially fails members of the transgender community. Not only are some necessary healthcare costs not covered by insurance (like gender reassignment surgery), but most physicians have only recently become aware of gender dysphoria.
Vulnerability to substance abuse is not a guarantee that a member of the LGBTQ community will become an addict. Therefore, we shouldn’t judge or further stigmatize this population based on the higher incidence of substance abuse. One might expect the more accepting attitudes of recent years to have dropped the numbers, but it’s complicated. In a truly accepting society, substance abuse among the LGBTQ may not be as bad, but there are other factors.
Ways LGBTQ People Can Reduce the Risk of Addiction
Fortunately, there are many options for avoiding or reducing the risk of addiction. The most important step is to establish a healthy lifestyle. There are many ways to accomplish this, including a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in red meats. Exercise, including participation in sports, is also a good way to fight anxiety and depression. One of the primary benefits of playing team sports is interacting with others, and these days there are many teams and leagues composed entirely of LGBTQ members. The United Gay Sports Network is an excellent resource for locating a gay-friendly team in your area.
Of course, there are other ways to fight addiction, including hobbies and volunteering. Following some simple steps to reduce stress (like remembering to surround yourself with humor and positive friends) gives you more energy to face other struggles in your life. Also, it goes without saying that avoiding places and activities where drugs and alcohol are being consumed is a good way to avoid temptation. That’s easier to say than to do for many people, especially members of the LGBTQ community who have always known gay bars and clubs as safe spaces for social interaction.
Where LGBTQ Community Members Can Get Recovery Help
It can be difficult for members of the LGBTQ community who struggle with addiction to find the right resources for help. However, they can choose from New York rehab centers that offer tailored programs to support their unique needs. These programs can offer a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to share their unique experiences and work towards recovery, free from judgment and discrimination. Seeking help at a rehab center can provide the necessary structure, support, and guidance to achieve a successful recovery.
Ensure LGBTQ People Get the Support They Deserve
While members of the LGBTQ community have unquestionably made great strides in recent decades, there remains a lot of work to be done. Especially in the case of addiction, it’s important to recognize the challenges that members of the community face — as well as the resources in place to remind them that they are not alone.
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