LGBTQ+ and Addiction

Meaningful discussions of LGBTQ+ and addiction must address the unique challenges faced by members of this community, including risk factors for substance abuse and obstacles to effective care.

How Does Addiction Affect the LGBTQ+ Community?

According to a June 2023 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 32% of gay men, bisexual men, and bisexual women had a substance use disorder (addiction) in the previous year. For lesbian women, the past-year prevalence of addiction was about 26%. 

Additional findings related to LGBTQ+ and addiction in this report included:

• In the previous 12 months, 17.3% of bisexual women and 15.9% of lesbian women met the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, which is the clinical term for alcoholism. Among straight women, the rate of alcoholism over the same period was 9.1%. 
• The past-year prevalence of alcoholism was also higher among gay men (18.9%) and bisexual men (15.7%) than among straight men (13.5%).
• For addictions involving drugs other than alcohol, the past-year rates were 22.2% among bisexual women, 21.3% among bisexual men, 19.2% among gay men, 14.3% among lesbian women, 10.7% among straight men, and 6.7% among straight women.
• About 5.9% of bisexual women and 3% of lesbian women were addicted to opioids in the previous 12 months, as were 1.9% of straight women.
• The past-year rates of opioid addiction were 5% among bisexual men, 3.5% among gay men, and 2.1% among straight men.

An August 2021 review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health explored substance abuse and addiction among transgender adults. That review, which involved an analysis of 55 prior studies, revealed the following:

• Transgender adults were about 50% more likely to report past-month binge drinking than were cisgender adults.
• For past-month heavy episodic drinking, the report rates ranged from 16.2%-26.96% among transgender individuals and 8.57%-11.5% among cisgender survey respondents.
• The rate of alcoholism was slightly lower among transgender adults (23%) than among the general population in the U.S. (29.1%).
• Current, past-month, and lifetime rates of cannabis use were all at least twice as high among transgender young adults than among cisgender young adults.

How Does Addiction in LGBTQ+ Differ From Everyone Else?

In many (but not all) cases, rates of substance abuse and addiction among members of the LGBTQ+ community are higher than among straight and cisgender individuals in the same age ranges. This, understandably, has led to questions about the reasons for this apparently stronger connection between LGBTQ+ and addiction.

There are no comprehensive, universally agreed-upon responses to these question – but experts have identified a number of factors that contribute to differing experiences with substances between LGBTQ+ and straight/cisgender adults. For example:

• LGBTQ+ individuals are much more likely than straight/cisgender people to be bullied, which can increase their risk of substance abuse. Among high school students who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, 23% report being bullied on school property and 27% say they have been cyberbullied. Among straight students, the self-reported rates of being bullied are 7% on school property and 13% online. 
• According to the Center for American Progress, 43% of gay people and 90% of transgender people have been harassed or discriminated against in the workplace. CAP also reports that 56% of gay people and 70% of transgender people have experienced housing-related discrimination. As with bullying, enduring these types of stressors can lead to substance abuse and addiction. These types of traumatic experiences can also complicate the treatment and recovery processes if they are not properly addressed.
• Several obstacles can also prevent members of the LGBTQ+ community from getting effective addiction treatment. For example, job-related discrimination contributes to poverty and lack of insurance, which limit a person’s ability to pay for their care. Also, many treatment centers don’t provide specialized programming or ensure that their facility is a safe space were all patients process trauma and address other personal concerns without fear of being harassed or stigmatized..

Resources for LGBTQ+ Members Who Suffer From Addiction

The following resources are designed for members of the LGBTQ+ community who need help for substance abuse, addiction, or related mental health concerns:

• The Trevor Project 
• Trans Lifeline
• LGBT National Help Center
• Mental Health America (MHA)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Partnership to End Addiction
• California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network
• LA County Department of Mental Health

Also, in addition to the support services that they provide to all callers, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has established a pilot program to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals ages 25 and younger. People in this demographic group can access a specially trained counselor by:

• Visiting the Lifeline’s LGBTQI+ page.
• Calling 988, then pressing 3.
• Texting the word PRIDE to 988.

How is Addiction Treated in the LGBTQ+ Community?

Addictions and other behavioral health disorders don’t discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics. However, as we noted earlier in this post, LGBTQ+ individuals who have developed substance use disorders often have needs that differ from straight/cisgender patients.

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, the treatment experience can be improved by features such as:

• LGBTQ+ therapists or counselors
• Professionals who have specific experience working with LGBTQ+ patients
• A trauma-informed approach
• Specialized services, programs, or treatment tracks
• Policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
• A conscious effort to enforce these policies so that the treatment environment remains a safe and supportive place

Contact Los Angeles Detox About Our LGBTQ+ Addiction Programs

If you are member of the LGBTQ+ community and you have developed an addiction to alcohol or another drug, LA Detox can connect you with the comprehensive, compassionate care that you deserve.

We are committed to the safety and well-being of all who turn to us in times of crisis. Our team will work closely with you to review your history, discuss your specific needs and goals, and develop a customized plan just for you. Every step of the way, you will be in a safe and welcoming place among people who truly care about you.

To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.