Happy Pride Month! Each year, June serves as a time for reflection and action. We ask you to join us as we celebrate, support and honor the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer members of our society. Let’s dive into the impact of substance abuse on the LGBTQ+ community – and the inclusive health services available to them at Cumberland Heights.
Addiction in the LGBTQ+ Community
Did you know LGBTQ+ folks face higher rates of substance abuse than the general population? That’s primarily because of the social pressure and obstacles that they face on a regular basis. Heterosexual individuals will rarely face problems like these, and therefore, they may not even think about their effects. That’s why it’s important for allies to educate themselves on queer issues – this month and every month.
Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals include:
- Stigma, homophobia and discrimination
- Being rejected by friends or family members
- Bullying, hate crimes, assault and public humiliation
- Losing ties with one’s community (church, school friends or neighbors)
- Mental health concerns, especially depression and anxiety
As anyone familiar with addiction will be aware, it is common for people who are stressed to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Individuals facing a great deal of social struggle, emotional turmoil or discrimination may seek to forget about their problems by drinking or using drugs. However, while this may numb them for a little while, these unhealthy coping mechanisms can result in bigger problems down the line.
Take a Look at the Statistics
According to a 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), substance use patterns of lesbian, gay and bisexual participants are higher than those of their heterosexual peers.
- Among gay and transgender individuals specifically, tobacco use is nearly 200% more than those who identify as heterosexual or cisgender.
- Between 20-25% of the LGBTQ+ community have moderate to severe alcohol dependency, compared with just 5-10% of the general populations. Among the LGBTQ+ community, bisexual women reported the highest rates of drinking, with 25% reporting heavy drinking habits.
- In 2020, approximately 42% of LGBTQ+ adults reported past-year marijuana use, compared to only 19% of the overall population. Gay men specifically are 3.5 times more likely to use marijuana than straight males.
- Approximately 6.7% of LGBTQ+ adults in 2020 misused prescription opioids or heroin in the past year, compared to just 3.6% of the overall adult populations.
Cases of Dual Diagnosis
As we mentioned above, co-occurring mental health conditions often come along with substance use disorders. LGBTQ+ people are more prone to emotional disorders, especially if they live a “closeted” life. If someone has to hide their sexuality from others, they will almost certainly experience significant distress.
In the LGBTQ+ community, common dual diagnoses are:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Self-harm or suicidal tendencies
- Chronic stress
- Trauma and PTSD
If you are a person with co-occurring addiction and mental health concerns, we encourage you to seek treatment as soon as possible. Coordinated clinical care is required to resolve both of these concerns simultaneously.
Help for Members of the LGBTQ+ Community
Many people hesitate to seek help for a substance use disorder or mental illness because they are worried about whether a facility will be a good fit for them. This is a topic of special concern in certain areas of the United States, like the Bible Belt.
Fortunately, there are affirming, accredited centers across the country that provide care tailored to members of the LGBTQ+ community. One such facility is Cumberland Heights. By entering a treatment center that specializes in assisting people from a variety of backgrounds, you will find the support, encouragement and validation necessary for lifelong recovery.
Evidence-based treatment methods proven effective for LGBTQ+ individuals include motivational interviewing, contingency management, cognitive-behavioral therapy and social support therapy. Cumberland Heights provides these services and more, all within an environment of acceptance and empowerment. We believe that it is possible to recover life.
Cumberland Heights LGBTQ+ Safe Haven Group
Cumberland Heights is proud to now host an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) group exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community at our Music Row location. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are among the groups most affected by substance use disorder and less treated than other communities. This community deserves the dedicated time and space to explore their substance use in an environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and respected.
Participants in this group can share their authentic selves fully with less concern of how others in the group may react to their personal history. Staff is experienced in and especially sensitive to the specific needs that are present in and across the LGBTQ+ range of experience.
Areas of focus for this group may include:
- Substance use patterns, drugs of choice, or socialization themes specific to the LGBTQ+ population.
- Recognizing and addressing higher rates of trauma and co-occurring disorders within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Focus on sex positivity.
- Working through internalized messages of worth and doubt that are rarely understood fully outside of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Intentional focus on body image and related concerns in an accepting environment.
- Advocacy for the larger community with recognition that political aspects
To learn more about our LGBTQ+ addiction treatment program in Tennessee, contact the Cumberland Heights admissions team today. We are happy to work with you to develop a program of care tailored to your needs.
