Members of the LGBTQ community face distinct challenges when seeking substance use treatment. To that point, the following five surprising statistics showcase the need for specialized LGBTQ drug rehab treatment. Choosing an LGBTQ addiction treatment center may be the right choice for your recovery.
Contact 855.579.8599 today to learn more about Virtues Behavioral Health LGBTQ treatment options in Los Angeles, California.
LGBTQ Addiction Statistics
1. The LGBTQ Community Is at Higher Risk for Substance Use Disorders
The Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data is quite clear. It shows that the LGBTQ community is at higher risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs).
In a 2019 national survey, 18.3% of all LGBTQ individuals surveyed had a substance use disorder. Consequently, that means around 2.3 million LGBTQ people today live with a substance use disorder in the United States alone.
With rates so high, LGBTQ treatment centers are more important than ever to create a stronger and healthier community.
2. LGBTQ Individuals Entering Treatment Are More Likely to Have Severe Substance Use Disorder
Compared to the general treatment population, LGBTQ people are more likely to enter treatment with a severe substance use disorder. While the cause of this isn’t clear, scientists suggest that the challenge of overcoming adversity and discrimination can drive people deeper into their addictions.
Many people from all walks of life use drugs to cope with life’s problems. This may start as an adaptive strategy that helps people overcome their unique challenges, but addiction can quickly spiral out of control and lead to more problems than it solves.
3. The Majority of LGBTQ People with Substance Use Disorders Have Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Of the US’s 2.3 million LGBTQ people with substance use disorders, 1.9 million face co-occurring mental health disorders. That’s a staggering 82.3%. Common co-occurring disorders include anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
As a result, it’s important for members of the LGBTQ community seeking treatment to look for options that include dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment can help address mental health issues alongside addiction, helping the whole person recover rather than treating only a single problem.
4. Most LGBTQ People with Substance Use Disorders Don’t Get Treatment
More than 86% of LGBTQ individuals with substance use disorders have never received addiction treatment. That includes specialized treatment centers, hospitals, primary care visits, and self-help groups. Additionally, more than 46% of members of the LGBTQ community with mental illnesses also never seek treatment. Those are startling percentages.
Of those seeking treatment, 72.6% sought treatment for one problem alone. In fact, only 13.5% received dual diagnosis treatment.
5. Specialized Treatment for LGBTQ Individuals Provides Better Results
Facilities that offer LGBTQ substance abuse treatment have better recovery rates for their community than other treatment centers. Unfortunately, these programs are often much more challenging to find. Only 7.4% of treatment centers offer specialized LGBTQ treatment.
LGBTQ addiction treatment centers offer specialized programs that cater to the needs of the LGBTQ community. They are often better equipped to help people cope with the issues that disproportionately affect the LGBTQ community, such as:
- Social isolation
- Homophobia and transphobia
- Discrimination
- Stigma
- Family relationship troubles
- Violence
In addition, an LGBTQ drug rehab center is equipped to help people deal with these problems while concurrently treating their substance use disorders.
LGBTQ Substance Abuse Treatment at Virtues Behavioral Health in Los Angeles, California
At Virtues Behavioral Health, we are proud to serve the LGBTQ community. Our specialized treatment programs emphasize healing the mind, soul, and body through comprehensive mental health care provided by trained, empathetic professionals.
If you’re ready to start a new life in recovery, contact us at 855.579.8599 to find a treatment that works for you. Addiction doesn’t have to be your story when recovery is possible.
