Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or background, millions of people struggle with drug addiction around the world. While many worldwide struggle with addiction, unfortunately, some people are at a greater risk of struggling with addiction, including the LGBTQ+ community. In this article, you’ll learn more about the LGBTQ community and addiction, and why drug addiction is more prevalent within the LGBTQ+ community.
At Grace Recovery, we are a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab committed to helping patients safely overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand that every patient’s recovery journey is uniquely different. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of addiction treatment to ensure you receive the tailored support you need to lead a healthier, happier quality of life. Ready to break free of addiction for good? Contact us today!
How Addiction Impacts the LGBTQ+ Community
Individuals within the LGBTQ+ community oftentimes experience a heightened risk of discrimination for their sexual orientation relative to individuals who identify as heterosexual. From name-calling to bullying, and even in some cases physical harassment, members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a greater risk of experiencing negativity for their sexual orientation relative to people who identify as heterosexual.
Keep reading to learn more about the LGBTQ community and addiction, and why some turn to drugs to cope with feelings of stress caused by discrimination and harassment.
Higher Risk of Drug Addiction
As mentioned above, members of the LGBTQ+ community tend to experience a higher risk of drug addiction relative to individuals who identify as heterosexual. Although there are a range of factors at play, one of the primary reasons why the LGBTQ+ community faces a higher risk of drug addiction is a higher risk of experiencing discrimination and bullying for their sexual orientation. Inevitably, this can lead to greater feelings of stress and anxiety, which can cause some to turn to drugs or alcohol to try to temporarily relieve this stress.
Increased Risk of Mental Health Concerns
Next, members of the LGBTQ+ community are at an increased risk of experiencing mental illness relative to individuals who are heterosexual. Unfortunately, many members of the LGBTQ+ community experience some sort of discrimination, bullying, or even rejection from loved ones because of their sexual orientation. Whether it be family members or friends acting differently to you, or discrimination from coworkers, peers, or strangers, inevitably when you experience difficult circumstances of rejection and discrimination, this can bring about feelings of loneliness and stress which can lead one to potentially develop a mental health disorder.
Lack of Tailored Treatment
While more and more treatment centers offer personalized care, it’s critical to receive the unique care that best serves your exact needs. This includes helping members of the LGBTQ+ community receive the individualized care they need to progress along their recovery. Many may struggle with a co-occurring disorder; therefore, it’s critical you receive the comprehensive care you need to treat both conditions at the same time. For example, if you are struggling with both anxiety and alcohol addiction, it’s important you seek not only alcohol addiction treatment but care for your anxiety to help reduce your risk of relapsing.
Help Is Available at Grace Recovery
Now you know more about the LGBTQ community and addiction. Although addiction does not discriminate and can impact anyone, certain communities are at a heightened risk of struggling with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, some members of the LGBTQ+ community may turn to drugs or alcohol to try to relieve feelings of stress because of the discrimination they face for their sexual orientation.
This situation coupled with the fact that many treatment centers do not offer tailored care to support members of the LGBTQ+ community can make the road to recovery that much more difficult. However, if you are struggling with an addiction, you don’t have to suffer in silence– help is available!
At Grace Recovery, our team of experienced addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way along your recovery journey. You should never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help in leading a better life. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment services and options so you can receive the exact care you need to break free of addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.
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