Rising Addiction in LGBTQ Communities

At Banyan Treatment Centers Boca Raton, we believe that everyone deserves the support they need to get and stay sober.

This is why we offer drug and alcohol treatment for individuals of all ages, genders, and sexual identities. Our South Florida drug detox for LGBTQ individuals gives patients the support they need to safely and comfortably detox from drugs and alcohol in a safe and comfortable environment.

There are some addictions that are more heavily experienced by LGBTQ individuals. Social pressures, emotional challenges, and varying factors all contribute to the rising rates of drug addiction and alcoholism in LGBTQ communities. We’re exploring the latest in addiction statistics for lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, queer, and other individuals who identify as part of this diverse community.

Rising LGBTQ Addiction Statistics

  Individuals whose gender identity or sexual identity vary from the status quo often face unique challenges in their everyday lives. Though stigmas surrounding LGBTQ identities are reducing, there is still a lot of judgement, shame, and fear many of these people face on a daily basis. They may feel afraid to live as their true selves and choose to conform to a constrictive identity, leading to dysmorphia, fear, or other difficult situations. Because of these and many other factors, the LGBTQ addiction statistics are startling and continuing to grow.

Addiction stats among LGBTQ individuals:

• People who identify as LGBTQ are over 2x as likely to have an alcohol use disorder
• People who identify as bisexual are 3x as likely to have a substance abuse problem
• People who are confused about their sexual identity are 5x as likely to have a substance use disorder

The above stats address an LGBTQ individual’s likelihood of developing a substance use disorder issue over a heterosexual individual. ¹ Not only are LGBTQ people more likely to struggle with substance abuse, but they’re also likely to face addiction or alcoholism struggles for a longer time.

The CDC reports that alcohol use and drug addiction are risks faced by gay or bisexual men. It is reported that they have higher rates of substance abuse for alcohol, methamphetamines, amyl nitrates, and tobacco.²

Further annual reporting shows that LGBTQ individuals, especially young adults, are at heightened risk for developing problems like addiction or alcoholism. ³ Issues such as alcoholism in LGBTQ communities are growing, and many individuals don’t know how to get sober or treat the first signs of alcohol withdrawal or drug withdrawal.

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Stigmas surrounding their lifestyle and substance use patterns keep many LGBTQ individuals from getting the help they need to get and stay sober, but our team at Banyan Treatment Centers Boca Raton can help. Call 888-280-4763 to learn more about our treatment and detox programs.

Sources:

• Healthline - Why the Risk of Substance Use Disorders Is Higher for LGBTQ People
• CDC - Gay and Bisexual Men's Health - Substance Use
• Pacific Standard - WHY ARE OPIOID ABUSE RATES HIGHER AMONG GAYS, LESBIANS, AND BISEXUALS?