Addiction and Substance Abuse Help for LGBT People

Substance abuse has become a growing problem for our nation’s LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender) community. People in this group are twice as likely to use and become addicted to drugs as heterosexual people, as well as binge drink and smoke cigarettes.

This group of people faces a unique set of challenges outside of the normal everyday problems that other people face. Unfortunately, they are often the subject of harassment, judgement, and social discrimination. This can cause added stress and mental issues, leading many individuals to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate or escape.

If you are concerned about your substance use or that of a loved one, there are signs that you can watch for to determine if it is time to seek help.

There are many programs and resources available to this community to help with the unique struggles that they face. The first step is always admitting there is a problem and then seeking help for it. Today, there are many options for substance use help for LGBT people around the country.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that people who identify as LGBT are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from drug or alcohol addiction than people who are heterosexual. Approximately 20-30% of the members of this group suffer from this issue, compared to only 9% of the general population.

Substance use among LGBTQ people

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community has consistently grown in the United States over recent decades. Current estimates show that approximately 4.5% of the American population (11 million people) identifies with this group. This figure has consistently risen in the United States as it has become more and more socially accepted.

As the number of people who identify as LGBT rises, it makes sense that the number of people within this community who struggle from addiction would also rise. But the thing that causes particular concern about the rate of substance use within this group is the significantly higher rate when compared to the rest of society.

Research on the rates of addiction within the LGBT community is still somewhat new, but the results so far are concerning. Approximately 20-30% of the overall LGBT population has a drug or alcohol problem. That means not just that they use drugs or alcohol, but that their use has become a major issue in their life and needs treatment.

According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2015, approximately 39.1% of the LGBT population used illicit drugs during the prior year. This is more than double the number of heterosexual people in the same time frame, where 17.1% had used drugs.

Why is substance use so prevalent for LGBTQ people?

The members of this community face special hardships and challenges that many others do not. Some have to deal with not being accepted by their friends and family members. There is constant social criticism and discrimination along with a number of other issues that they must deal with on a daily basis, including:

Facing social stigmatization and prejudice
Hate crimes, threats, and public humiliation
Emotional abuse or ridicule
Rejection or shame from family members or friends
Loss of employment or not being considered for promotions
Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-hatred
Exclusion from social groups and activities.
Physical abuse by family members, partners, or others
Violence based on sexual orientation or gender identification

This stress alone can cause any person to turn to drugs or alcohol to numb their pain and frustration. The feeling that they have to hide their true selves from the outer world and the judgements it may pass can often lead to feeling isolated and depressed. This contributes to the higher rate of dual diagnosis, or coexisting conditions, in this population as well.

How does drug rehab treatment differ for LGBTQ people?

Substance abuse treatment for people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is largely the same as rehab for other people, but there are some important differences in care. For instance, a center that specializes in such treatment may offer an environment that is fully or largely made up of other LGBT people, which may feel more supportive or less isolating than programs that are primarily filled with heterosexual people.

There are several rehab centers in the United States that specialize in LGBT substance use treatment and nothing else, which are excellent opportunities for people who may struggle more with their identity or feel that being surrounded by others who truly understand their background will help their recovery. However, it isn’t always possible or necessary to attend one of these programs. The location, cost, or insurance coverage for these centers may be an issue. Or perhaps you or your loved one simply do not feel that this would be the best option for you. If this is the case, finding a facility that has some experience and specialization with this type of treatment is a good idea.

A treatment program that focuses on the specific needs of the members of this community will have more specialized classes and information that is based on the unique needs and challenges that they face. Additional program offerings, gender neutral settings, and an open, accepting, non-judgmental environment where the individual feels safe are all options to look for.

Some of the features of treatment will differ, but many will remain the same. Most drug rehab treatment facilities are going to offer some basic services. You can expect to have the same levels of care available to you. There are several options including:

Inpatient/Inpatient Treatment: During an inpatient or inpatient treatment program, you will reside on site and spend the majority of your time at the facility. Not only will you be housed there and receive all of your meals and any necessary medications, but you will also receive case management services, personal counseling, group therapy, and many other beneficial classes and programs. This is often the best level of care for people entering a rehab for the first time.

Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization: This is a slight step down in the level of care that you would receive with inpatient treatment. In intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs, you will still spend the majority of each day at the facility to receive treatment and case management services, but in the evening, you will go home or to another location to sleep. Usually there are programs that offer off-site sober living homes for their clients enrolled in this level of treatment.

Outpatient Treatment: With regular outpatient treatment, you will live on your own and likely be responsible for all of your meals and medication management. You will need to be on site several times per week (3-5 days, for 3-5 hours each day) to attend classes, receive case management services, participate in therapy sessions, and complete your program. This level of care is usually best for someone who has already completed a inpatient portion of their treatment plan and are ready to begin emerging back into society.

How to choose an Addiction treatment facility, provider, or Social support group

Regardless of which level of care you participate in, if you are a part of the LGBT community and are suffering from an addiction, it is critical that you attend a program that offers programs that specifically address your unique needs and concerns.

The inclusion of LGBT identification is only recently becoming a part of data collected in most national surveys and studies, so there is not very much historical data at this point in time. However, one recent survey showed that only 7.4% of drug rehabs offer services that are specialized for members of the LGBT community

It is equally important to find a treatment facility that offers options for dual diagnosis patients as well. This is because of the fact that the LGBT community has one of the highest rates of co-occurring disorders. With dual diagnosis patients, treating only one part of the problem will result in less than favorable results overall. Instead of treating just mental illness or substance use, dual diagnosis treatment addresses each issue together during a comprehensive treatment program.

Signs to watch for in your loved one

If you are concerned about a loved one who may be addicted to drugs or alcohol, there are certain signs to look for. Some signs will be in their physical appearance, while others will be changes in patterns or behaviors. Some of these include:

Sudden weight loss
Withdrawal from social activities
Sleep changes (either sleeping much more or not sleeping at all)
Changes in appetite
Signs of sadness or depression
Sudden aggressive behavior
Legal or money problems that suddenly arise
Lying or stealing from family and friends

Getting help

The good news is that there are many options available for anyone who is suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some programs are completely centered and focused around the special needs of the LGBT community.

National Talk, Text, and Chat Hotlines

LGBT National Hotline

An organization that offers online chats, telephone support, and many other resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people.

888-843-4564 | Website

LGBT National Youth Talkline

An online resource that has a youth-only hotline meant for youth up to age 25. Operators can provide counseling, resources, and more.

800-246-7743 | Website

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call this 24/7 hotline for help with suicidal crises or emotional distress.

800-273-8255

The Trevor Project: Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention

The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. Call the 24/7 hotline any time of the day or night for immediate help at chat, text, and receive social support.

Trans Lifeline

Available from 10am-4am EST, this hotline is operated by trans people and exists to provide support to other trans people in need.

877-565-8860 | Website

Trans Youth Online Talk Group

A weekly space just for trans youth who are under age 14 that is safe and moderated.

Substance use among LGBTQ people

Why is substance use so prevalent for LGBTQ people?

How does drug rehab treatment differ for LGBTQ people?

How to choose an Addiction treatment facility, provider, or Social support group

Signs to watch for in your loved one

Getting help

National Talk, Text, and Chat Hotlines

Support Groups

Resources for LGBT Youth and Friends/Supporters

Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Family Members

Additional Resources