LGBTQ Drug Treatment Center ​

INTRODUCTION TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE

UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE WITHIN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY​

The disease of addiction impacts each person in unique ways. While two people may struggle with addiction to the same substance or substances, they will inevitably experience different symptoms while they are actively using, and the process of detoxing and getting sober will feel and look different. However, one thing that does not change is that the damaging and detrimental impacts of addiction impact people from all demographics without discrimination. Significant research shows addiction impacts people of all races, ages, education levels, religious preferences, financial standing, and sexual orientation. Today, research into the potential causes of addiction or the factors that increase one’s risk for developing addiction looks into all demographics. Recently, the rate of research into addiction treatment outcomes and rates of addiction within the LGBTQ community has increased dramatically.

Although further research into addiction and its impacts on the LGBTQ community is necessary, current studies indicate that people who identify as LGBTQ experience elevated rates of alcohol and drug addiction than the heterosexual population. Researchers believe a key reason for this disparity is the ongoing stigma associated with sexual identity, orientation, and preference. Members of the LGBTQ community frequently experience increased levels of stress or stressful events not commonly associated with heterosexual individuals. These incidences of increased stress can increase one’s risk of developing various medical or mental health conditions. Often, with new or worsening medical or mental health conditions people turn to drugs or alcohol to reduce the intensity and severity of their symptoms. This is referred to as “self-medication” and is often a stepping-stone to addiction.

Statistics from the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (conducted in 2018) indicate substance abuse patterns and instances of substance use disorders are higher among LGBTQ, or “sexual minority”, youth and adults. Statistics from the survey suggest as high as 9% of LGBTQ adults reported opioid abuse, compared to just 4% of heterosexual adults in the United States. The fact that the rates of opioid abuse in the LGBTQ community are nearly twice as high as in other demographics is a significant problem, considering over 70% of all drug overdoses involve opioid use.

Additional research shows that addiction and substance use disorders are twice as prevalent among LGBTQ youth and adults compared to heterosexual youth and adults of the same age group. The same surveys also showed members of the LGBTQ community were more likely to seek treatment for co-occurring disorders or dual-diagnosis; a situation where you experience a mental health condition and a substance use disorder simultaneously.

HOW TO KNOW IF SOMEONE IS ADDICTED

Why Treatment Personalized for the LGBTQ Community is Successful ​

Acknowledging addiction and seeking help is complex and challenging. Those who identify as LGBTQ face significant stigma associated with everyday circumstances and events. Unfortunately, despite ongoing efforts aimed at reducing the stigmas experienced by those who are part of the LGBTQ community, there remains significant work left to accomplish. Fortunately, societal views are changing and with these changes comes reduced stigma. Specific stress-related factors that lie at the root of elevated addiction and overdose rates among LGBTQ youth, teens, and adults, remain a widespread challenge.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people who identify as LGBTQ to avoid seeking addiction treatment help at a substance abuse treatment center because of a history of adverse personal experiences seeking help for medical or mental health needs. Concerns about seeking treatment may also stem from learning about the negative experiences of friends and family in the same situations. LGBTQ-friendly residential treatment programs at Robert Alexander Center provide treatment plans that are uniquely tailored to fit your individual treatment needs and goals. Rehabs that provide LGBTQ-focused treatment show improved treatment outcomes for members of the LGBTQ community when compared to programs at non-specialized rehabs.

KNOW WHAT TREATMENT YOU NEED

The Benefits of an LGBTQ
Drug and Alcohol Rehab ​

When you decide it is time to begin your journey to sobriety and recovery, it is essential to do so in a rehab environment where you feel safe and supported throughout all stages of your treatment and recovery journey. For people who identify as LGBTQ, this is often best accomplished at an LGBTQ residential treatment center. Feeling understood and safe during detox, therapy, and as part of the aftercare, community enhances your ability to learn, communicate and focus on what matters most, getting well and putting addiction in the past. At a treatment center where you are uncomfortable in the treatment environment, more time is spent focused on fear and worry about your surroundings or your emotional health and less time focused on learning how to overcome addiction.

LGBTQ residential treatment at Robert Alexander Center considers each individual person’s physical, psychological, and spiritual treatment needs. We understand that simple alterations and changes to our treatment programs can be key factors in contributing to your success in treatment. At our LGBTQ-focused rehab, our team of highly-skilled, caring, and compassionate treatment providers understands each person who chooses Robert Alexander Center has unique treatment needs and goals. We ensure our therapeutic models and the overall rehab environment address comfort and safety considerations for everyone who comes through our doors. We design each treatment program based on in-depth intake assessments where we learn about your physical and emotional needs in addition to achieving sobriety and lasting recovery.

To assist rehabs focused on providing LGBTQ-focused care, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a manual of treatment models and approaches that address the needs of the LGBTQ community. The manual is a series of treatment guidelines designed to help mental health and medical providers understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ community when seeking help to overcome addiction. It is also designed to give addiction treatment providers a foundation on which to build our treatment programs. Using these suggestions and guidelines helps ensure we provide comprehensive, evidence-based care that is specifically designed to meet the treatment goals of patients who identify as LGBTQ.

At LGBTQ drug and alcohol rehab like Robert Alexander Center, members of your treatment team will call on and utilize the addiction treatment guidelines and suggestions provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Because we combine the SAMHSA guidelines with trusted, evidence-based therapy models, our programs provide successful and more effective recovery opportunities than would be found in a standard program.

TAKE THE ACTION & GET HELP TODAY

Get Help from Our LGBTQ Residential Treatment Center

Choosing to seek help to overcome addiction is the first step toward lasting health and wellness. If you. or a loved one, are ready to put addiction in the past, it is vital to choose a rehab where you feel confident knowing your treatment needs will be met in a compassionate and supported environment. Many members of the LGTBQ community struggle to find an addiction treatment center that truly focuses on and addresses the needs of the LGBTQ person looking to achieve and maintain lasting sobriety.

A vast body of research suggests addiction treatment programs are significantly more successful (both in achieving sobriety and maintaining long-term recovery), if you can complete your entire course of treatment. This goal is only attainable in a treatment environment where you feel safe, supported, and comfortable. Because addiction touches the lives of people in different ways, it is essential for successful treatment programs to work closely with their patients to design a treatment program focused on their specific addiction and treatment goals. If you would like to learn more about how LGBTQ focused programs at Robert Alexander Center can help you, contact a member of our admissions team at our LGBTQ substance abuse treatment center today.