Adults defined as “sexual minority,” including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and queer (LGBTQ), have higher rates of substance misuse and substance use disorders than their heterosexual peers, according to statistics shared by the NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Specifically, they’re two times more likely than heterosexuals to have used…

Addiction is a complex and personal disease. For each individual, a variety of diverse factors can lead to addiction. It follows that treatment is equally complex and mandates an individualized approach. There’s no better example of this than LGBTQ addiction. Here’s a closer look at why addressing LGBTW issues matters in the rehab, along with…

Approximately 30 percent of the LGBT community — compared to just nine percent of the general population — suffers from some form of addiction, according to a report shared by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). In addition to alcohol and substance addiction, this also includes process addictions. Here’s a closer look at process addictions…

The United States is in the throes of an opioid epidemic. While opioid misuse and related overdoses can happen to anyone, opioid use is especially high among the LGBTQ population. Here’s a closer look at the problem, its causes, and possible solutions, as discussed in a 2018 report from the National LGBT Health Education Center….

LGBTQ people face a number of health issues stemming from “societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights,” according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP). The good news? Research is underway aimed at correcting the disparity, although experts are still calling for more nationally-representative health-related surveys. Here’s a…

Members of the LGBTQ community have higher rates of substance abuse than the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One especially troubling phenomenon is the rise of crystal methamphetamine (meth) use among gay men. Here’s a closer look at the phenomenon, along with why finding the right treatment program can…

You may have heard the words “evidence-based treatment” when searching for information on healthcare services. What does this mean, and why is it important, especially in the context of LGBTQ addiction? Here’s a closer look at evidence-based addiction treatment for LGBTQ individuals. What Is Evidence-Based Treatment? Evidence-based treatment, AKA EBT, refers to “treatments that have…

“People who inject drugs and have HIV experience high mortality and face many obstacles in accessing care,” says the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The good news? Researchers have determined that integrated interventions are an effective way to support both the health and the survival of this population. Here’s a closer look at the…

A growing body of evidence tells us that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community are at increased risk for substance abuse and addiction. There’s good news, however. Research also indicates that early interventions can be an invaluable preventative measure. Here’s a closer look at the phenomenon, along with how parents…

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducted research investigating the link between sexual orientation, substance abuse, and mental health as part of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for the first time in 2015. The findings? “Sexual minorities were more likely than their sexual majority counterparts to have…