Addiction in the LGBTQ Community
Within the LGBTQ community, the number of individuals living with a substance use disorder is alarmingly higher than individuals in other demographics. This is attributed to the higher rates of challenges and barriers that individuals in the LGBTQ community face daily. Studies have shown that LGBTQ individuals are twice as likely to engage in illicit substance abuse than heterosexual individuals. This increase in individuals affected by substance abuse does not reflect poorly on those individuals. Instead, it speaks volumes about the number of unfair biases or discrimination that often results in deep-rooted traumas. When someone experiences severely negative reactions and intolerance within their day-to-day life, it is easy for them to search for ways to manage the unpleasant emotions and thoughts that arise within these painful circumstances.
While many would like to believe that the modern-day society within the United States has significantly improved its outlook and levels of acceptance for sexually diverse individuals, there is still a lot of progress to be made within the United States population. Often, individuals will experience varying levels of discrimination within all facets of their lives. While many heterosexual individuals can attend social events, employment opportunities such as job interviews, or feel free to go out within their communities without having to worry about facing discrimination from others. Individuals within the LGBTQ community have experienced discrimination, unjust behaviors, and intolerance within the daily tasks and activities that many would take for granted who have never experienced the ignorance and biases from others, including people you have never met before. After experiencing discrimination from others and in worst-case scenarios experiencing hate crimes directed towards you can leave individuals with a grave level of trauma that impacts how you react or respond to day-to-day life situations or stressors. For anyone experiencing the adverse side effects of trauma, it is common to try and find ways to mitigate the negative, severe symptoms of trauma through drug or alcohol abuse. While you may find temporary solace in substance abuse to manage your trauma symptoms, what starts as a momentary relief practice can quickly turn into a drug or alcohol addiction cycle.
Regardless of what is at the core of your drug or alcohol addiction, individuals within the LGBTQ community need to be able to attend an addiction treatment center that is a safe, inclusive space that is free of discrimination and biases. Muse Treatment Center offers Los Angeles residents a drug and alcohol addiction treatment program that honors LGBTQ individuals’ journey before their admittance to addiction treatment. We provide specialized treatment methods that will support patients in addressing the unique traumas that have impacted them and their addiction while assisting patients in achieving their goals for life in sober living.
Mental Health in the LGBTQ Community
Individuals identifying in the LGBTQ community experience higher chances of developing ongoing co-occurring disorders of mental health disorders. Often, individuals within the LGBTQ community feel they need to live their lives “in the closet” to hide their sexuality due to fear of discrimination from others. Having to hide your true self from others can create feelings of shame or guilt as you try to suppress your authentic self leading to a significant psychological toll on yourself. This often perpetuates a negative cycle of emotions that can be overwhelming and challenging to manage, which is why many will turn to substance abuse to handle the feelings that are arising.
Common mental health disorders that LGBTQ individuals often live with are:
- Major clinical depression
- Severe levels of stress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Self-harming behaviors
Additionally, LGBTQ individuals will often experience co-occurring disorders related to physical health issues related to their sexuality. Often, people will exhibit signs of a sexual disorder that typically stems from a history of sexualized trauma or abuse. Individuals within the LGBT community have experienced the following health conditions:
- Compulsive sexual behavior
- HIV or sex-related anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexual abuse or sexual assault
See which household items people may turn to as a way to deal with mental health issues here:
https://musetreatment.com/blog/household-items-used-to-get-high/
Risk Factors for LGBTQ Developing Addiction
The LGBTQ community encounters different risk factors for developing an alcohol or drug addiction due to the varying challenges for LGBT individuals. Often an individual will experience multiple risk factors that significantly impact a person’s ability to remain abstinent from drugs or alcohol.
Common risk factors that LGBT individuals may encounter are:
Harassment or bullying from others
From a young age, individuals in the LGBT community often experience bullying or social exclusion from their peers due to their sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. LGBTQ youth are 48% more likely to be excluded from their communities and peer groups, and a staggering 51% of those youth will experience verbal harassment or verbal assault. Additionally, individuals are 17% more likely, once they “come out of the closet” and express their true authentic self, to experience physical assault due to their sexual orientation and sexual identity.
Lack of support after coming out to friends and family
Individuals that experience little to no support after taking the courageous step to come out to their loved ones will often feel a wide variety of emotions and, in some cases, long-lasting trauma from the experience.
Stereotypes and stigmatization from others within society
Experiencing discrimination from others due to being a sexual minority often perpetuates fears and unpleasant emotions that impact your self-confidence and self-worth, leading to further mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression. Some LGBT individuals may feel social isolation from others due to their sexual orientation and sexual identity; this can often lead many to turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and manage their unpleasant or uncomfortable emotions.
Why Choose an LGBTQ-Friendly Addiction Treatment Center
An LGBTQ-friendly addiction treatment center provides each patient with the peace of mind in knowing that the addiction treatment center is a safe, inclusive space free of any external stressors or triggers that you experience within modern-day society. LGBTQ addiction treatment centers are well versed and educated about how each patient experiences severe levels of discrimination and biases that have been unjustly placed upon them. The various addiction therapy methods will be specifically designed to address past traumas in a safe, respectful manner, free from retraumatizing patients.
Patients will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are also a part of the LGBTQ community and have experienced similar life experiences and challenges. Through group therapy and group educational processes, patients will be able to connect and heal together as a collective group. This is a profound experience for many patients as it is a positive shift coming from social isolation within society to having a supportive community of others who share the same overarching goals. Healing from trauma and drug or alcohol addiction helps facilitate long-lasting relationships long after you complete alcohol or drug rehab.
Addiction Treatment Options for West Hollywood Residents
Each patient will have their own levels of need from an addiction treatment center and will require individualized treatment plans that are cognizant of your specific recovery goals. West Hollywood patients will choose between inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, or attending a drug or alcohol detox program.
An inpatient drug or alcohol rehab program allows patients to reside within the addiction treatment center for patients who require a fresh start and a clean break from their home environment. They will have access to on-site medical professionals and addiction counselors whenever needed. Inpatient rehab is offered in 30, 60, or 90-day programs. You can engage in individual or group therapy sessions to uncover the underlying causes of your addiction while developing tools for relapse prevention and healthy life skills for living in addiction recovery.
Other West Hollywood residents who cannot leave their homes due to work and family commitments but are ready to address their drug or alcohol addiction can choose to attend outpatient drug or alcohol rehab. Outpatient allows patients to participate in the treatment center during the day for the same effective therapeutic sessions while having the flexibility to maintain work schedules and uphold family responsibilities.
West Hollywood LGBTQ Addiction Treatment at Muse
Muse Addiction Treatment Center has taken extraordinary measures in developing a safe, empowering LGBTQ addiction treatment center that offers the latest methods of addiction medicine and substance abuse treatment. Patients will have access to specialized treatment methods, including dual diagnosis treatment that will target mental health treatment and address their drug and alcohol addiction. You will learn how to manage your mental health through safe, alternative measures and holistic practices to support patients living a healthy life in sober living.
West Hollywood residents ready to seek treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction through a comprehensive addiction treatment plan should contact one of our friendly staff at Muse Addiction Treatment Center at (800) 426-1818 today. You can hear more about the individualized substance abuse treatment programs offered within our residential addiction treatment center. Our staff is ready and excited to support you in getting on the path to recovery again and allow you the space to breathe life again with a fresh, sober perspective.
