LGBTQ Addiction Treatment at Banyan Philadelphia

The LGBTQ community faces many barriers and challenges that other people do not have to deal with and often do not understand. When it comes to something as personal as a substance abuse problem, you want to make sure that you find an LGBTQ rehab center that takes these added challenges into account so that you can be as safe and comfortable as possible as you go on your journey to becoming sober. Luckily, Banyan Treatment Centers Philadelphia has the resources necessary to help.

LGBTQ Mental Health and Its Connection to Addiction

The complex relationship between mental health and addiction in a person who identifies as LGBTQ results from a variety of interrelated elements that influence how members of this community experience life. Increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression can result from social stigmatization, discrimination, and a lack of acceptance. As a result, some people use drugs or alcohol to help them deal with their emotional issues. This interplay is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by both inner identity struggles and societal forces from the outside. It is crucial to understand these dynamics to customize support and interventions to meet the specific needs of those in the LGBTQ community.

Addiction can affect anyone, but the LGBTQ community, in particular, seems to struggle with substance abuse at a higher rate than the general population. One study found that sexual minorities have a higher frequency of both using illicit drugs and having a substance abuse disorder in the past year than their heterosexual counterparts. They are also more likely to drink and smoke cigarettes on a regular basis.1 Along with higher instances of substance abuse, there are also mental health problems in the LGBTQ community, as the two are often related. These are probably a result of greater challenges and prejudices, but addiction treatment designed specifically for LGBTQ members may make all the difference.

Contributing elements can include:

  • Stigma and discrimination: Suffering discrimination can leave one feeling lonely and emotionally burdened for a long time. Some people may turn to substance usage for solace as a result of this load.
  • Internalized homophobia and transphobia: The internalization of societal prejudices can result in extreme humiliation and self-doubt. As people try to deal with these harmful emotions, this internal struggle makes them more susceptible to addiction.
  • Isolation and loneliness: Deep feelings of isolation might result from being rejected by family or community. Lack of a social network can make mental health issues worse, making drugs and alcohol an alluring haven.
  • Access to LGBTQ inclusion in healthcare: A lack of LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare professionals can make it difficult to receive effective mental health therapy. Individuals may turn to alcohol or drug self-medication as a result of this care gap.
  • Heteronormativy: The pressure to conform to traditional gender and sexual norms and expectations can lead to feelings of alienation and internal conflict, which can exacerbate mental health problems and drug usage.
  • Lack of family support: A person is more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort if their family does not embrace them or understand them, which can strain relationships and worsen feelings of loneliness.

With all of these factors in mind, it is crucial that members of this community have access to capable and compassionate LGBTQ rehab services. Otherwise, they run the risk of falling deeper into the pit of addiction.

LGBTQ Addiction Treatment in Philadelphia

At our Philadelphia drug rehab, we take into account the extra needs and concerns that people in the LGBTQ community may face and have gay-friendly addiction treatment that addresses all of these needs. Our goal is to make sure that all of our patients feel safe and comfortable during their time with us, no matter their sexual orientation or sexual identity. This can be applied to each of our Philadelphia substance abuse programs as well.

LGBTQ addiction treatment may have extra considerations when it comes to creating a treatment plan. During your time at our facility, you will partake in various programs and unique therapies for comprehensive healing. Some staff members from the Banyan family also identify themselves as members of the LGBTQ community, and we do our best to pair you with these doctors, therapists, nurses, or treatment professionals if this would make you feel more comfortable. Because they are members of the LGBTQ community themselves, they have a better understanding of the extra difficulties you may be facing and may be able to further promote your recovery.

Our Gay-Friendly Addiction Rehab

Program placement is a major concern for many people when discussing addiction rehab for the gay community, especially transgender patients. For people from the LGBTQ community who want to enter into our Philadelphia partial hospitalization program, we offer safe placement options and special accommodations based on the individual's gender preferences. Patients will be placed in their programs with other people who match their gender identity. Our goal is to make members of the LGBTQ community feel comfortable so they can focus on getting better instead of unnecessary problems. Rehab in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be hard to come by.

At Banyan Philadelphia, we understand that there are extra barriers for many people in the LQBTQ community, but finding the right treatment program shouldn’t be one of them. Reach out to us today to learn more about our various levels of addiction treatment and how to get started on your journey to sobriety in a safe and accepting environment.

Sources:

  1. SAMHSA – Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Addiction treatment doesn’t need to be out of reach. At our drug rehab in Delaware, our goal is to assist as many people as we can. We accept a variety of insurance plans to help people get the addiction treatment they need. If you do not have health insurance, there are other ways to pay for treatment. Call us today to see if your insurance will cover your treatment program and to talk about alternatives if necessary.

  • aetna
  • bluecross blueshield
  • magellan
  • multi plan
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  • humana
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