The LGBTQ+ community has made great strides in the last several decades when it comes to an individual’s health and well-being. However, this group is still very much at risk of falling into bad habits and becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Why is it that these people are often more susceptible to developing substance abuse problems? Well, there are a few reasons.
Why the LGBTQ+ Community Has a Greater Risk for Addiction
Overwhelming Stress
Although, as we mentioned, the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way; however, there is still a long way to go as well. Between the social stigmas that are still held in society, finding their true gender and identity, and potential discrimination when it coming to employment, housing, and healthcare, LGBTQ+ individuals can experience overwhelming stress that causes them to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope
Demographic Targeting
Many tobacco and alcohol companies target gay men when promoting their products, so they are served specific advertisements in order to get them to use these substances. Further, in many LGBTQ+ social scenes, alcohol and drug use is the norm. When this continues over time, addiction can quickly become the result.
Limited Treatment Services
Those who identify at LGBTQ+ often have more medical needs than those who are heterosexual. When medical professionals are not experienced, or even learned, in the methods required to treat LGBTQ+ patients, those individuals can turn to self-medicating methods to deal with health issues — which puts them at great risk for developing substance abuse issues.
Co-Occurring Disorders
For a number of different reasons, LGBTQ+ individuals can often struggle with mental illness — and half of those individuals also struggle with mental illness. In cases like these, self-medicating with drugs and/or alcohol can be very common, often leading to substance addiction.
Silvermist is proud to offer LGBTQ+ friendly addiction treatment in Pennsylvania. We employ a personalized approach that takes into account each individual’s unique history, situation, and needs. Our holistic approach involves a variety of treatment modalities that are tailored to young adults.
Contact us today to get the help you need.
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