Is Drug Addiction Treatment Particular for LGBTQ?

The rates of drug abuse and addiction among persons that self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning are higher than in the individuals belonging to the other social sectors. This can be attributed to the challenges faced by most people belonging to this community. For instance, most members of the LGBTQ community face discrimination and social stigma. They are also at a higher risk of experiencing violence and harassment. These stressors increase the risk of different behavioral health problems among these sexual minorities.

In the past, researchers did not ask about gender identification and sexual orientation in data collection. It's only recently that surveys funded by the federal agencies started asking about gender identification and sexual orientation. Surveys conducted so far have established that the rates of substance use and misuse, as well as, addiction are higher among sexual minorities than among heterosexuals. As such, it's still not possible to determine long-term trends regarding the prevalence of substance use and addiction in LGBTQ populations.

Substance Misuse and Use

The number of people seeking for help in addiction recovery for LGBTQ (AddictionResource provides info) has been increasing over the years. Several issues stemming from this have been compounded by the reality that LGBTQ community members have historically faced challenges when it comes to seeking healthcare services. In most cases, these people have faced bias or judgment, including those seeking treatment for substance use and addiction.

Nevertheless, attitudes and perceptions towards LGBTQ community members have changed over the past decades. This has made getting healthcare services easier for these community members. But, these sexual minorities are still at a higher risk of substance misuse and use.

This has been confirmed by research that has demonstrated that the risk of drug and alcohol abuse is higher for LGBTQ individuals than members of the general population. In 2015, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health released data showing that adults that self-identify as sexual minorities were more than two times likely to have used an illicit drug over the past year when compared to heterosexual adults. They were also almost a third likely to have used marijuana over the previous year, compared to the 12.9% of heterosexual adults. About 10.4% or one in every ten members of the LGBTQ community misused pain relievers compared to 4.5% of heterosexual adults.

The U.S Census Bureau conducted a survey in 2013 that established that LGBTQ adults aged from 18 years to 64 years had engaged in binge-drinking over the past year more than heterosexual adults. The survey defined binge drinking as having 5 or more drinks during a single occasion. People receiving treatment in LGBT rehab facilities had also started drinking earlier than heterosexual individuals.

The rates of substance use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents were also higher than those of heterosexual adolescents. One meta-analysis established that LGB adolescents are 90% likely to misuse substances when compared to heterosexual adolescents. This difference was more pronounced in certain subpopulations. This analysis established that substance use in bisexual adolescents was 3.4 times that of heterosexual adolescents. Bisexual and lesbian females used substances at 4 times the rate of heterosexual females.

Comorbidities and Substance Use Disorders

The likelihood of LGBTQ individuals experiencing at least one substance use disorder during their lifetime is higher than that of heterosexual persons. What's more, LGBTQ persons enter gay rehab centers when their SUDs are more severe. However, some treatment modalities for substance use disorders have been proven more effective for bisexual men or gay. These include social support therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and contingency management.

Treatment programs for addiction that cater to the needs of specialized groups for bisexual men and gay have better outcomes for these clients as compared to non-specialized programs. However, one study has shown that only 7.4% of programs offer specialized LGBT patients' services.

Currently, there is limited research on SUD rates among transgender populations. Nevertheless, research has shown that transgender persons are likely to seek treatment for SUD than non-transgender people. Research that has been conducted so far has shown that the focus of treatment should be on addressing the unique factors that these patients face in their lives. These can include family problems, social isolation, violence, and transphobia/homophobia.

Sexual minorities suffering from substance use disorders are likely to have co-occurring or comorbid. These individuals are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders than heterosexual persons. For instance, lesbians and gays, as well as, bisexual males and females report higher odds of depression and frequent mental distress than heterosexual individuals. Transgender adolescents and children have higher suicidality, eating disorders, self-harm, and depression levels when compared to their non-transgender counterparts.

Consequently, LGBT-friendly rehab centers must screen their patients for psychiatric problems. This screening will enable them to identify conditions that may require concurrent treatment.

The risk of getting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also higher among LGBTQ people. That's because of their risky sexual behaviors and the use of intravenous drugs. HIV infection is prevalent among transgender women, as well as, bisexual men and gays. Bisexual men have sex with fellow men or MSM.

Treatment for substance use disorders can help in the prevention of HIV transmission among individuals at high risk. For instance, treatment for addiction is associated with a reduction in drug use and engagement in risky sexual behaviors among individuals identified as MSM. It also helps with viral load improvement in HIV patients.

The Bottom Line

Stigma against members of the LGBTQ community is partly responsible for the higher prevalence of substance use and misuse. Most individuals in LGBT-friendly addiction treatment centers have lived closeted lives where they don't disclose their sexuality. That's because they fear rejection from other society members. Consequently, they lead double lives when it comes to their sexual orientation. But, keeping this secret takes a psychological toll on them leading to emotional distress and mental health disorders. These can lead to substance use and misuse, as well as, addiction. The treatment of such individuals should not perpetuate misunderstanding or discrimination against these individuals. Hence, the need for drug addiction treatment that is particular for LGBTQ persons.