{"id":2793,"date":"2022-03-23T15:12:39","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T15:12:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.supremewellnessrecovery.com\/?page_id=2793"},"modified":"2023-02-01T19:56:02","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T19:56:02","slug":"lgbtq-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.supremewellnessrecovery.com\/lgbtq-program\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

LGBTQ+ <\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/header>

The LGBTQ+ community faces unique obstacles to substance use recovery. The community has higher rates of substance use disorders, a higher risk for mental illness, and a significant gap in treatment access. In addition, they may feel uncomfortable in traditional treatment settings surrounded by people who can\u2019t understand their unique experience as an LGBTQ+ individual.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are LGBTQ+-specific treatment options available that can help people find comfort, security, and understanding while providers address substance abuse and mental illness issues.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Addiction in the LGBTQ+ Community <\/b> <\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/header>
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Substance use disorder rates in the LGBTQ+ community are significantly higher than baseline. In 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conducted a national study that assessed rates of substance use disorder across the nation and discovered that 18.3% of LGBTQ+ individuals met the criteria for one or more substance use disorders.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no clear-cut reason why the LGBTQ+ community experiences higher addiction rates. Still, researchers theorize that the challenges community members face in their day-to-day life play a significant factor. These challenges can cause substantial undue stress and anxiety, and many people turn to substance use as a coping mechanism.<\/p>\n

Challenges Faced by the LGBTQ+ Community<\/h2>\n

Discrimination, abuse, stigma, homophobia, and transphobia affect countless LGBTQ+ people every day. These conditions can prevent a substantial barrier to recovery and interfere with numerous daily activities, putting LGBTQ+ community members on high alert and not allowing them to live to their full potential.<\/p>\n

Discrimination<\/h3>\n

Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community refers to unfair treatment due to an individual\u2019s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.<\/p>\n

While recent years have seen several laws pass intended to make discrimination illegal, countless people are still discriminated against to this day. Discrimination can prevent LGBTQ+ people from acquiring affordable housing, utilizing healthcare resources, or even being accepted into a drug and alcohol treatment center.<\/p>\n

Stigma<\/h3>\n

Stigma refers to negative perceptions against the LGBTQ+ community. Whereas discrimination entails being denied services, stigma refers to the way people perceive you.<\/p>\n

Dealing with stigma daily for something out of your control can cause a monumental amount of stress and may even lead some people to internalize negative beliefs about themselves. Stigma is often veiled but leads people to treat community members differently from others.<\/p>\n

Ignorance<\/h3>\n

Perhaps the most pervasive challenge for members of the community, ignorance about diverse gender identities and sexual orientations can have a severe psychological impact.<\/p>\n

Two out of three LGBTQ+ youth reported that somebody attempted to convince them to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 5% reported being forced to attend conversion therapy programs. These led to increased suicide attempts and harmful mental health outcomes in both cases.<\/p>\n

Abuse<\/h3>\n

Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse against members of the LGBTQ+ community occurs at alarming rates. LGBTQ+ face the reality of violent crimes at rates nearly quadruple the amount of the general population. A single act of abuse can leave lasting scars on your physical and emotional health and can drive people into substance use as a form of relief.<\/p>\n

Being the victim of physical abuse can particularly affect youth in the LGBTQ+ community. Recent research from the Trevor Project shows that 36% of youth who experienced physical harm due to their sexuality attempted suicide, nearly triple the rate of those never assaulted.<\/p>\n

Addiction Treatment for the LGBTQ+ Community<\/h2>\n

Choosing an addiction treatment program designed for the LGBTQ+ community can make a world of difference in the treatment process and set patients up for long-term success in recovery.<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ friendly treatment options mean you can join an understanding recovery community that has a positive view of your gender or sexuality, understands the unique challenges faced by the community, and addresses underlying mental illness or trauma.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll still receive the best evidence-based care at an LGBTQ+ treatment program, including:<\/p>\n