Addiction impacts people from all walks of life. However, certain groups experience addiction at higher rates than others. Even though members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to use to drugs and alcohol, there aren’t many studies that focus specifically on why this might be the case. In honor of Pride Month, let’s take a look at why identifying as LGBTQ is associated with higher rates of substance use, the prominence of drugs and alcohol in LGBTQ culture, and the struggles that the LGBTQ community faces when seeking treatment.
The Statistics
According to one study, lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 190% more likely to consume drugs and alcohol than their heterosexual counterparts. Within this demographic, there were some subpopulations where rates of substance use were even higher; For bisexual youth, likelihood of using substances was 340% higher, and for females who identified as lesbian or bisexual, likelihood rose to 400% when compared to heterosexual youth.
Experiencing physical or mental trauma related to identifying as LGBTQ also increases substance use rates: a study from the Trevor Project found that youth who have undergone conversion therapy are more likely to use alcohol regularly, and so are those who have experienced physical harm due to their LGBTQ identity.
Those who use substances regularly often struggle with their mental health. Regular marijuana, alcohol, or prescription drug misuse were associated with higher rates of attempted suicide, especially for LGBTQ youth under the age of 21.
Possible Explanations
One explanation for why LGBTQ individuals experience higher rates of substance misuse is because of the effects of minority stress, which proposes that health issues that impact minority communities at higher rates could be due to the stress from experiencing prejudice and discrimination. This chronic stress increases one’s susceptibility to illness and disease, and potentially, substance misuse.
Substance misuse is also linked to the bar and club scene, which is central to LGBT culture. These bars and clubs offer a safe space for gay and transgender individuals to socialize and build community, but their association with drugs and alcohol is another possible explanation as to why the LGBTQ community is at greater risk for developing substance use disorder (SUD).
The Need for Supportive Treatment
Because of the prevalence of SUD in this community, there’s a great need for treatment programs that are accepting of those who identify as LGBTQ. Gay and transgender people may be less likely to seek treatment for substance misuse out of fear that their treatment providers would be ill-equipped to handle their specific needs, or that they could be hostile towards them because of how they identify. Because of this, gay and transgender individuals might feel they can’t disclose their identity to their recovery support staff. Additionally, the fear of discrimination could delay or even prevent them from seeking treatment altogether.
Even if members of the LGBTQ community who are in treatment for SUD are able to find a supportive treatment provider, they might not experience the same acceptance from their families. Studies have shown that family therapy can improve outcomes for those with substance use disorders, but if the patient isn’t accepted by their family, this component of their treatment plan wouldn’t be possible.
Having a “found family,” or a network of close friends that serves a similar purpose to a biological family is a concept that’s popular in the LGBTQ community because so many lack this family support. At Aware Recovery Care, we recognize that family can look different for everyone. That’s why we give clients the freedom to select anyone they choose to be part of their treatment plan, regardless of whether they fit the traditional definition of “family.”
If you’re ready to seek help for substance misuse from a compassionate, supportive care team, Aware Recovery Care is here to help. Contact us today and learn how our innovative In-Home Addiction Treatment model can connect you with best-in-class care from the comfort of home.
