As Recovery Unplugged prepares to celebrate Pride Month 2022, we remain inspired, encouraged, and deeply gratified by the strides toward inclusivity and equality that this group continues to make. We also remain ever mindful of the work left to be done, especially in matters of mental health and medical care. As an organization that strives to offer compassionate, intuitive, and quality addiction treatment for LGBTQ+ clients, we have seen, first-hand, the unique factors that this community faces that impact their health and quality of life.
Despite making significant inroads, the LGBTQ+ population continues to encounter stigma, judgment, discrimination, and outright hostility and aggression that makes it difficult to maneuver in virtually all aspects of life, including their families, their communities, their workplaces, and even in their doctors’ offices.
As we do every year, Recovery Unplugged will be dedicating part of June to taking a deeper look at the factors that drive and sustain substance use and mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community. We will also be exploring ways to assist people in becoming better allies, advocates, and supporters of those who need help.
LGBTQ+ Addiction Prevalence and Treatment
LGBTQ+ adults continue to face higher rates of substance use disorder than the heterosexual population while facing considerably tougher barriers to treatment and support:
- Substance use disorders (SUD) affect 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ+ population, compared to 8.4% of the general population.
- 86.4% of LGBTQ+ adults with SUD don’t get treatment.
- 86.8% of LGBTQ+ adults with co-occurring SUD and mental illness don’t get treatment.
- Those who identify as gay or lesbian are over 2X more likely to struggle with SUD.
- People who identify as bisexual are over 3X more likely to struggle with SUD.
It doesn’t have to be this way, nor should it. Recovery Unplugged wants to use Pride Month as an opportunity to let every member of this community struggling with drug or alcohol abuse know that they’re not alone, they’re seen and help is out there. Contact us now to start your treatment and take the first step toward healing.
Recoveryunplugged
Each piece of content penned by "Recovery Unplugged" undergoes the same rigorous editorial guidelines as any other contributor, ensuring that the information shared is accurate, relevant, and aligns with our commitment to excellence. Whether it's a clinician sharing insights from their therapeutic journey or a counselor reflecting on transformative moments, writings from this account offer a unique blend of professional expertise and genuine passion for the recovery journey.
Read More
