Exploring the Links Between the LGBTQ Community & Substance Use
Minority groups face challenges, and that’s putting it mildly. Whether it’s active (or more subtle) forms of discrimination, threats of violence, or simply a display of misunderstandings, there have been many injustices toward those considered to be in the minority.
This often comes with a price: substance use. Due to the damaging cycle that’s often fueled by the experiences and trauma caused by discrimination, using addictive drugs can reduce stress and make a troubled life easier to bear, until they make everything worse.
Despite the real progress they’ve made in recent decades, the LGBTQ community & substance use share a complex and difficult relationship when it comes to their experiences and substance use. Sadly, as is the case for many people, substance use often turns into addiction.
Our team at Cliffside Malibu has a deep understanding of the reasons that drive substance abuse and addiction. We help people come to terms with their past trauma and live the life they truly deserve.
The LGBTQ Community & Substance Use: What are the Most Common Substances Used?
Before we get into this subject, we want to be clear that substance use disorders (SUDs) don’t discriminate. Any addictive substance can cause a person to develop repetitive behaviors of addiction, no matter who they are, what their gender is, how much money they have, and so on.
That said, it’s important to closely examine the nuances surrounding substance use in every community. By understanding the prevalence of substance use in the LGBTQ community, we’re better able to help its members identify their needs and treat them effectively.
Cliffside Malibu believes anyone who is struggling with substance abuse benefits from this understanding.
Here are some of the substances the LGBTQ community tends to struggle with.
Alcohol
Some studies show that gay and bisexual males aged between 18 and 45 have a higher rate of alcohol use disorder.
Cannabis/Marijuana
A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington State University found a higher prevalence of cannabis (or marijuana) use by young people who identify as bisexual. It’s a trend that’s also reflected in younger members of the LGBTQ community.
Opioids
Due in part to the threat of overdose, opioid abuse is one of the most dangerous forms of drug abuse there is. Opioids range from prescription painkillers like OxyContin to illicit drugs like heroin. Fentanyl, an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, is one of the chief drivers of the ongoing overdose epidemic.
While this is an under-researched area, members of the LGBTQ community appear to have a higher rate of opioid use disorder (OUD).
Stimulants
Stimulants are a family of drugs that include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications like Adderall to illicit drugs like cocaine and meth. Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQ community often report a higher rate of stimulant use.
The LGBTQ Community & Substance Use: What Drives Substance Abuse?
It’s never easy to say exactly why a person – or a community – engages in substance use. Addiction is a very individualized disease, and it can develop in some very different ways.
That said, several factors contribute to the link between the LGBTQ community and substance use. While many of these are the same as those that drive substance use and addiction in other communities, the LGBTQ community also encounters some distinct challenges of its own.
Let’s explore them in greater detail.
Stress: The Minority Stress Theory
Although a lot of noteworthy progress has been made, the LGBTQ community still lives with stress related to prejudice. Some researchers label this form of stress the “minority stress theory,” which is physical and mental stress caused by marginalization and discrimination. In turn, stress is a well-known driver of substance use.
While there’s still a lot of research and debate around this theory, most researchers say it’s made up of stressors like:
- Lived discrimination: This form of discrimination can cover everything from direct assault to hearing homophobic or transphobic jokes. It also includes anti-LGBTQ legislation.
- Anticipated discrimination: Basically, this is a belief that a person will experience discrimination. For some, this can be as powerful and disturbing as hypervigilance, a symptom of trauma.
- Internalizing stigma: Many people who are discriminated against can internalize some of those feelings, feeling like they are less valuable. Internalizing stigma can also make someone feel that others like them are less valuable as well.
- Feeling like you need to stay hidden: Because of discrimination and stigma, many LG
- BTQ people feel like they need to hide themselves. Like internalized stigma, this can be a major form of stress.
Other Forms of Discrimination
People in the LGBTQ community face other forms of discrimination. Like housing, for example: Over 50 percent of gay people (and 70 percent of trans people) report being discriminated against in some way over housing.
Employment discrimination is another area. As of writing, it’s legal in multiple states to fire, deny employment to, or otherwise discriminate against LGBTQ people in the workplace.
And then there’s health care discrimination. Many LGBTQ people lack consistent health insurance because their workplace doesn’t recognize unmarried domestic partnerships. Many transgender people report being denied certain forms of medical care, like care related to transitioning. Finally, many health care providers aren’t trained to meet the needs of LGBTQ patients.
The Need to Relieve Stress
Discrimination is incredibly stressful to live with. Many people, not just those in the LGBTQ community, turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to relieve the stress that discrimination causes. Over time, this form of substance use often develops into addiction.
Trauma
As seen above, members of the LGBTQ community often face discrimination…and violence. Many LGBTQ people often report experiencing trauma due to these events. Trauma and substance abuse share a complex relationship, fueling each other as they worsen. Trauma causes symptoms that lead a person to substance abuse for relief…and the deeper they get into substance abuse, the more trauma they often face.
Co-Occurring Disorders
All of these factors can lead to mental disorders like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. These co-occurring disorders often accompany addiction.
The LGBT Community & Substance Use: What is Substance Use?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines substance use as the use of certain mind-altering substances. This can include legal substances like alcohol, prescription medication, and illicit drugs.
Many people engage in substance use regularly. Here’s an example: the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that nearly 80% of Americans drink alcohol at least once during their lifetime. Unfortunately, substance use can turn into a condition called substance use disorder (SUD).
What is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a behavioral health condition that’s often caused by habitual substance use. Put simply, a SUD is a compulsion to keep using an addictive substance despite the problems it causes.
These problems can include:
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties
- Physical health problems, including heart attack and stroke
- Injuries from accidents and assaults
- Issues with risky behavior
- Overdose and death
Over time, substances like alcohol and drugs cause physical changes in our brains, especially in areas that govern judgment, decision-making, memory and behavior. But these aren’t the only changes that substance use causes.
It’s possible to develop a tolerance to the effects of addictive substances. This usually results in a person taking larger and larger doses of the substance to feel the same effects. Eventually, a person will feel withdrawal symptoms when they’re not using the substance. These intensely unpleasant feelings often drive people to continue using drugs and alcohol.
Do I Have a Substance Use Issue?
Maybe it’s the missed appointments. Or maybe it’s realizing that valued relationships aren’t what they used to be. Worst of all, it might be the first (or second) DUI charge that makes people ask themselves this question.
It’s never easy for anyone to determine if they have a substance issue. Addictive substances, by nature, cloud judgment and reasoning. It’s why the person struggling with addiction is often the last person to realize they have an issue.
Here are a few questions anyone concerned about their behavior can ask themselves. Bear in mind that this isn’t a diagnosis – only a medical professional can diagnose someone with a SUD – but any “yes” answers mean it might be worth having a conversation with a primary care provider:
- Have you tried to stop using substances, but weren’t able to do so?
- Do you spend a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from addictive substances?
- Has your substance use caused you legal and social problems?
- Have you noticed that your substance use is affecting your personal and/or professional life?
- Do you have strong urges or cravings to use substances?
- When you’re not using substances, do you feel sick?
- Have you given up recreational or social activities to use substances?
Again, a “yes” answer to any of these might be a sign that it’s time to reach out to our team at Cliffside Malibu. We’ll make sure that the next step into treatment is the right one.
The LGBTQ Community & Substance Use: Finding Treatment at Cliffside Malibu
The worst thing about substance use is this: Drugs and alcohol work…until they don’t. Eventually, substance use will take everything that’s good and positive out of a person’s life.
Addiction seems hopeless, especially if you’re part of a marginalized community. However, it isn’t. Addiction programs evolve, constantly seeking to serve individuals and communities affected by substance use and addiction.
When a person seeks treatment at a place like Cliffside Malibu, they’re not really entering a traditional healthcare facility – they’re joining a community that shares their struggles, experiences, and goals. Our highly individualized approach to treatment ensures that everyone feels welcome and understood while under our care. We’ll work with patients to safely explore their substance abuse at its roots, helping them understand why they’re using substances…and why they won’t need them anymore.
For a better life, reach out to Cliffside Malibu at (888) 496-1793 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LGBTQ community more prone to substance use?
Unfortunately, studies seem to show that there are higher rates of substance abuse in marginalized communities, which include the LGBTQ community.
What are some of the factors that drive substance use in the LGBTQ community?
Past trauma, discrimination, and external and internal stigma are just a few of the factors that drive substance use in the LGBTQ community.
Is substance use the same as addiction?
Substance use refers to using addictive substances; addiction is a series of behavior patterns based on substance use. While not every case of substance use turns into addiction, long-term substance use is definitely a risk factor for addiction.