Millions of people struggle with addiction. While addiction does not discriminate, unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community faces increased rates of drug addiction. From greater discrimination to the risk of mental health struggles, the LGBTQ+ community faces various challenges that contribute to high addiction rates. Keep reading to learn more about these challenges and why addictions can be prevalent among the LGBTQ community.
At 90210 Recovery, we are a top-rated Beverly Hills drug and alcohol rehab that’s committed to helping as many patients as possible break free of addiction. With various addiction treatment options available, we’re here to help you every step of the way on your recovery journey. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!
5 Challenges the LGBTQ+ Community Faces with Addiction
From the increased risk of struggling with mental illness and addiction, to a lack of LGBTQ+-focused providers and treatment centers, keep reading to learn about why addictions and the LGBTQ community are higher than heterosexual individuals.
Increased Risk of Struggling with Addiction
Unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community is more at risk for struggling with addiction because they experience a heightened risk of discrimination. This risk of discrimination, whether it be from peers, friends, or family, can be very isolating. Therefore, some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with these feelings of loneliness and rejection. This can be especially true if an individual in the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t know many other friends or loved ones who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lack of LGBTQ+-Focused Treatment Centers
Another challenge is the lack of LGBTQ+-focused care or LGBTQ addiction treatment center resources. While a drug rehab can be a great way to overcome addiction effectively. To maintain lasting sobriety, it’s critical to get to the bottom of why you may have started to abuse drugs or alcohol in the first place. Having LGBTQ+ providers, or addiction specialists who are equipped with an understanding of the struggles that can occur with being part of the LGBTQ+ community is important to ensure individuals receive the best possible care for their unique recovery needs.
Discrimination From Other Patients or Providers
Just as how members of the LGBTQ+ community can face discrimination in the real world from loved ones or peers for their sexuality, there is also a risk they may experience discrimination while seeking treatment. Whether from other patients or even providers, again a lack of representation or LGTBQ+-focused treatment centers runs the potential for discrimination which inevitably hurts one’s recovery journey.
Increased Dual Mental Health Struggles
Plus, members of the LGBTQ+ community experience more mental health struggles which inevitably boosts one’s risk of developing an addiction. Oftentimes, LGBTQ+ members may experience bullying, discrimination, and even rejection from loved ones which can result in struggling with mental illness symptoms. This can then result in some looking for coping strategies to ease their symptoms, thus resulting in drug abuse and dependency.
Heightened Feelings of Loneliness
As mentioned previously, some people in the LGBTQ+ community may experience heightened feelings of loneliness, especially if they experience rejection from friends and family members. Therefore, this can lead some to resort to abusing drugs or alcohol to cope, which over time can lead to drug dependency and addiction.
This is why it’s critical you seek professional addiction treatment if you are struggling with addiction. Addiction is an isolating disease that can lead to potentially life-threatening consequences. Not to mention, addiction doesn’t just hurt you, but it can fracture relationships with the ones you love.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about addictions and the LGBTQ community, and various factors that contribute to the uptick in addiction rates. Fortunately, there are a number of compassionate drug rehab facilities available to help you safely and effectively overcome addiction and regain control of your life. If you are part of the LGBTQ community and struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek help at an LGBTQ drug and alcohol rehab center, or a center that offers tailored support for your exact recovery needs.
90210 Recovery is a leading drug rehab that is here to help you every step of the way on your recovery journey. Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, are compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you take back control of your life for the better.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you break free of addiction once and for all.
