Addiction and substance abuse is a serious concern among the LGBTQ community. Research has shown that sexual minorities deal with mental health and substance abuse issues much more than those who identify as heterosexual. Many of them are scared to seek treatment for their problems because they are scared they will be discriminated against during rehab. They may also be afraid of what will happen if others find out about their sexual orientation.
Luckily, there are still many facilities that offer rehab services to members of the LGBTQ community. The best facilities make sure that their services are customized for every individual who is struggling with the challenges of becoming sober in a sometimes harsh environment. So how can you find out if an alcoholic rehab facility is LGBTQ friendly? Read on and learn more about the subject.
Identifying as a Member of the LGBTQ Community
LGBTQ are initials for the following:
L- Lesbian
G- Gay
B- Bi-sexual
T- Transgender/Transsexual
Q- Queer/Questioning
If you identify as something other than heterosexual, then you will likely wish to find a rehab community that is geared towards your specific needs when it comes to recovery. An LGBTQ-friendly rehab will make it that much easier for you to get the assistance you need in a friendly, understanding environment.
Challenges Faced by the LGBTQ Community
Again, this specific community suffers more substance abuse than the whole population put together. This is because of the obstacles they face on a daily basis that those who identify as strictly heterosexual don’t. These challenges can cause even the strongest individual to turn to alcohol or drugs.
A few of these specific challenges include:
• Rejection from family after coming out as anything other than heterosexual
• Being thrown out of the family home at a young age for their sexual orientation
• Discrimination at school or in the workplace based solely of sexual orientation
• Hate crimes, ridicule, emotional abuse from others
• Public humiliation and threats
• Being passed over for promotions or loss of employment
• Self-hatred or even internalized homophobia
Members of the LGBTQ community often feel alone and shunned, especially if they are young and living with a family who doesn’t agree with their choices. This can cause then to turn to alcohol or drugs to mask their pain and fill the void they are feeling. Unfortunately, this can quickly turn to an addiction if left untreated.
Finding a Rehab that Caters to LGBTQ
If you identify within the LGBTQ spectrum, don’t worry. A rehab will not be able to discriminate against you by law. No matter what, you will have the right to for your addiction. However, it is understandable that you may want to find a rehab that caters to your special circumstances. So how do you go about it?
Word of mouth- One of the best ways to find out whether or not a rehab is sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ community is to ask those who have experience with it. Do you have friends, coworkers, or family who have gone into rehab and identify as something other than heterosexual? Now is the time to ask questions about their experience, how they were treated, and what they thought of the center.
LGBTQ information- There are many organizations that cater to the LGBTQ community, both online and off. These communities will be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to a rehab that caters to your special needs.
Social media- Don’t hesitate to use social media to your advantage. Post in local groups or ask for recommendations concerning LGBTQ-friendly rehabs near you. You’ll likely receive a large amount of information that can help you make an educated choice on where to go.
Calling around- If all else fails, start calling around to local rehab centers. Ask the facility upfront if they are LGBT friendly. If they are, ask if they have any special programs that you wouldn’t receive elsewhere.
Call our LGBT Friendly Facility Today
We know how hard it can be to struggle with addiction. Factor in the struggles you face on a daily basis, and we realize that recovery can seem impossible. We can assure you that it is not. We understand the problems that the LGBTQ community faces, and we are here to give you the treatment you deserve. Call today at 833-820-2922 to find out how we can help. Don’t let addiction bring you down even one more day- call or stop by and let us take care of your needs.