LGBTQ Addiction Resources

No one is immune to substance use disorder. It can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, class or sexual orientation. However, some groups are more at risk to fall victim to drug and/or alcohol addiction than others. Unfortunately, this is true for the LGBTQ community. This is mainly because of the mental health disorders that develop in this community as a result of abuse, discrimination, rejection and ostracism that they undergo. The good news, however, is that many resources are available to help members of this community conquer substance abuse.

If you or someone you love is a member of the LGBTQ community and is also suffering from alcohol and/or drug addiction, this page may address many of the questions that you have.

How the LGBTQ Community is Affected by Addiction

Members of the LGBTQ community are more at risk to have substance abuse issues. Many of the emotional issues and mental health disorders that lead people to activating a drug and/or alcohol addiction are prevalent in the LGBTQ community. Here are some additional shocking statistics:

• Among transgender people, 20 to 30% are abuse substances. This is compared to just 9% of the general population.
• Gay and bisexual men are 12.2 times more likely to use amphetamines than straight men.
• Nearly 40% of people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual have used illicit drugs within the past year. This is compared to 17% of those who identify as heterosexual.
• Among LGBTQ individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse, transgender men and women are more than twice as likely to have a co-occurring mental health disorder than cisgender men and women.

These statistics show that for LGBTQ individuals, substance use disorder is more likely than for heterosexual and cisgender men and women.

Why Do LGBTQ Individuals Need LGBTQ-Specific Treatment?

For individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ community, it’s important that they find LGBTQ friendly treatment in a drug or alcohol rehab center. Not only do they need assistance from addiction specialists as all patients do, but they also need experts that will understand their specific personal, psychological and personal challenges.

At The Recovery Village Ridgefield, we understand the unique situation that members of the LGBTQ community are going through when they are seeking substance abuse treatment. We have specially trained addiction professionals who understand how to treat LGBTQ individuals. Upon admission, you will undergo assessment and evaluation so that an addiction specialist can formulate an individualized treatment plan for you.

The Recovery Village Ridgefield is an LGBTQ-friendly option for substance abuse treatment in the Washington and Oregon area. Our center is located less than three hours from Seattle, Washington; less than 45 minutes from Portland, Oregon and only 20 minutes from Vancouver, Washington.

Should You Seek Treatment?

If you are suffering from drug and/or alcohol addiction, it’s vitally important that you are able to seek treatment. If you are a member of the LGBTQ community, it’s of equal importance that you find a treatment center that is LGBTQ friendly. At The Recovery Village Ridgefield, we have the tools that you will need to begin a path to recovery.

We also offer multiple levels of treatment, depending on your needs. We offer residential treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs. In addition, we offer an extensive aftercare plan so that you can transition back into the real world with the necessary tools to maintain your sobriety.

Take that first step towards your recovery, and reach out to us today. When you call us, you will have a confidential conversation with one of our compassionate addiction specialists, and they will be able to discuss the ideal treatment options for you and your unique situation. Call us today, and take back control of your life.

LGBTQ Support Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – The LGBTQ community has to face up to mental health challenges like everyone else but many fear being discriminated against for their sexual orientation, causing reluctance to seek help in case prejudice and other biases causes to experience a more negative mental health outcome.NAMI aims to provide a support network without fear of discrimination.

Mentalhealth.gov – The purpose of this government website is to get people talking about mental health issues and provide details on how and where to get help when someone is struggling with mental health problems or considering suicide.

CDC LGBT Health – Provides information on some of the health issues and inequities affecting LGBT communities.

oSTEM – Provides details of crisis hotlines and services that are LGBTQ-inclusive.

LGBT National Help Center – The help center is aimed at serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people with free and confidential peer-support and details of local resources.

LGBT Foundation – Providing advice, support and information relating to mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction problems, sexual health advice, and legal and police advice surgeries.

Glaad – Providing specific resources for transgender people in crisis and general information and support details for the transgender community in general.

It Gets Better – The It Gets Better Project has identified more than 900 organizations spanning over 30 countries where members of the LGBTQ community can get crisis support and general help.

Mental Health America – MHA works on a national and local basis to raise awareness about mental health problems and provides an overview of treatments and the psychosocial needs of LGBTQ people.

SAMHSA – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides general LGBT resources and access to reports that look at sexual orientation and estimates of adult mental health and substance use.

LGBTQ Youth – A government-run resource, the Office of Adolescent Health provides educational resources that look at the issues facing LGBT adolescents.

Womenshealth.org – Office on Women’s Health is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services and looks at the health disparities that can exist for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women.

Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health – The CDC section on gay and bisexual men’s health provides health recommendations and advice on a variety of topics such as stigma and discrimination, and substance abuse.

Gay and Bisexual Men’s Mental Health – Another CDC resource that focuses on mental health problems associated with sexual orientation.