LGBTQ+ Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Mental health involves the well-being of an individual emotionally, psychologically, and socially. It influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Additionally, it affects how we respond to stress, interact with others, and make good decisions.

On the other hand, addiction refers to a persistent, potentially hazardous physical or psychological need to do, take, or use anything. Many members of the LGBTQ community have more mental health and addiction concerns because: 

• LGBTQ individuals may have to deal with stigma, prejudice, or violence
• Experience self-doubt as a result of their sexual preference or gender identity
• Feel alone or isolated
• Feel they have to conceal their gender identity or sexual orientation

The most common addiction and mental health issues members of the LGBTQ community face include:

  1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

After experiencing a traumatic experience that involved the possibility of harm or death, PTSD may develop.

PTSD symptoms include:

• Flashbacks, distressing thoughts, or nightmares
• Having a cold or detached reaction to emotions
• Indifference to everyday routines
• Difficulty paying attention
• Being easily startled

2. Depression

Depression is when feelings of grief, loss, guilt, or anger persistently interfere with daily life. Compared to heterosexuals, lesbians are twice as likely, and homosexual men are three times more likely to experience depression.

Depression symptoms include:

• Losing interest in or satisfaction from previously enjoyable activities
• Considering suicide or death
• Having a restless, unsettled, or unpleasant feeling
• Alterations in energy, sleep, focus, or hunger
• Feeling helpless, unworthy, guilty, or resentful of oneself

3. Alcohol Abuse

Most LGBTQ people use alcohol heavily throughout their lives because it is so common in their social environments. Bisexual, lesbian, and gay persons now drink more frequently than heterosexual adults, according to a SAMHSA report published in 2016. 

Women who identify as bisexual or lesbian are considerably more likely than heterosexual women to drink alcohol, drink heavily, and drink excessively. Studies have also revealed that members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to engage in heavy drinking over the long term and are less likely to abstain from drugs and alcohol.

4. Drug Abuse

The unhealthy use of prescribed or illicit substances is referred to as drug/substance abuse. Women who identify as lesbian or bisexual consume alcohol and tobacco at more significant rates overall. Smoking and using stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine are more prevalent among gay males.

Substance abuse symptoms include:

• Frequent consumption of one or more drug
• Preparing beforehand for activities involving substance use
• Lying to, avoiding, or hiding drug usage from friends and relatives
• Drastic alterations in mood or behavior
• Frequent blackouts

5. Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by persistent worry that interferes with daily activities.

Anxiety symptoms include:

• Feeling jittery or restless
• Easily exhausted
• Having problems focusing or experiencing mental disorientation
• Becoming agitated
• Having tense or spastic muscles
• Insomnia

6. Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts

Substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression can all raise the risk of suicide. Nearly 30% of young homosexual and bisexual males and over 50% of young lesbian and bisexual women have tried to commit suicide.