Why does the LGBTQ community have such unique needs compared to the straight community? The answer lies in the high risk of addiction for people who identify as LGBTQ. Members of this community are more likely to have experienced isolation, perhaps even being kicked out of their family homes. Those situations also happen to be situations that happen to those suffering from addiction. But what if the person has already suffered such isolating circumstances before ever turning to drugs or alcohol?
Addiction in the LGBTQ Community
People in the LGBTQ community often experience high rates of addiction because of their increased levels of hardship. Trauma and isolation can be identified as the main culprits for LGBTQ addiction. Those in this community may have a higher risk of becoming victims of verbal abuse. Often afraid to talk to friends or family about their identities, they may end up reaching out to strangers, which can set them up for tragic consequences.
Another aspect to high rates of addiction among LGBTQ is the prevalence of sex work. Homelessness and isolation cause many LGBTQ youth to turn to sex work in order to survive. This further adds to their trauma, which opens the door for addiction. Many cases of addiction already begin with the person turning to alcohol or drugs to escape pain and depression. With the above taken into account, it’s easy to see why LGBTQ people experience addiction at higher rates than their straight counterparts.
LGBTQ people also commonly suffer from psychiatric conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder. When left untreated, these conditions very often cause sufferers to turn to drugs or alcohol as a solution.
How Detox Can Help the LGBTQ Community
Withdrawal might be one of the hardest parts of beating addiction. Experiencing uncomfortable, and even dangerous, symptoms keep many of those struggling with addiction from seeking help. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the person’s health, the substance used and length of time using. Withdrawal can be even more severe for those in the LGBTQ community due to lack of support. They may also struggle with dual diagnosis conditions such as depression or anxiety that can be made worse by withdrawal symptoms.
Many LGBTQ individuals already have difficulty reaching out for help due to mistrust of medical professionals and lack of effective mental health treatment. That’s why it’s important to find a facility that understands and caters to their unique needs. With medical detox, patients benefit from consistent monitoring for unsafe and uncomfortable symptoms. The purpose is to keep patients medically stable while also reducing their discomfort.
Detox is an important first step on the path to recovery as it alleviates the fear of withdrawal symptoms and allows patients to get free of the substance’s influence on their mind and body.
Steps to Recovery For The LGBTQ Community
By seeking addiction treatment at Steps to Recovery in Levittown, PA, you can put yourself or a loved one on the path to beating addiction. Steps to Recovery offers detox services and a 12-step based Florida model. The treatment center caters to the LGBTQ community and fully understands their unique needs.
Detox services can help you with the following:
- Removing drugs and alcohol from your body
- Having peace of mind with constant monitoring
- Getting quality medical care for symptoms
- Preparing you for further addiction treatment and recovery
- Understanding your addiction and any other diagnosis
Put the brakes on addiction’s control of your life. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, reach out to Steps to Recovery today at 866-488-8349. Start your journey to addiction recovery at our quality drug rehab.