When you realized you were addicted to drugs or alcohol, you felt as though you were headed in a downward spiral. You never thought you would become addicted to a substance, and now that you are, you are unsure what to do. To make matters worse, you are very concerned because you identify as LGBTQ and are unsure what treatment options are available.
Here at Northpoint Recovery, we recognize that the LGBTQ community has different needs for addiction treatment. The good news is that there are LGBTQ addiction treatment programs for this group, and we are one of several LGBTQ rehab centers in the Boise, Idaho, area. Call us at 888.296.8976 if you need help with your addiction and are interested in LGBT rehab. We understand your struggles, and we are confident we can provide you with the kind of help you need to recover.
The Need for LGBTQ Rehab Programs
Most people do not stop to consider why there is such a need for LGBTQ addiction treatment. They wrongly assume that rehab centers should include the LGBTQ population in traditional drug and alcohol rehab programs. Unfortunately, that is not always feasible or the best option for a full recovery.
Statistics indicate that drug and alcohol addiction is an even bigger problem for those who identify as LGBTQ because:
- LGBTQ persons are much more likely to use drugs and alcohol than those in the general population.
- As many as 25% of gay men and lesbians are considered heavy drinkers, while only 10% of heterosexuals are true.
- Youths aged 12-17 who identify as LGBTQ are more than twice as likely to use substances as their heterosexual peers.
- Most LGBTQ individuals suffer from other mental health disorders alongside their addictions.
- The gay and lesbian community is 40% more likely to become addicted to meth than the general population.
- 10% of homosexual couples engage in regular drug use instead of about 7% of heterosexual couples.
- Nearly 1 in 3 lesbian or bisexual women currently admit to being addicted to some drug.
These statistics speak volumes about the need for gay and lesbian rehab across the United States. Some underlying issues have led to the increase in the addiction rate among this population.
The Benefits of LGBTQ Addiction Treatment
In addition to having the care and expertise of people who understand the unique challenges presented to the LGBTQ community when fighting their addictions, there are several other benefits to going to a gay and lesbian rehab facility. These include:
- Receiving targeted treatment for your drug or alcohol addiction from licensed therapists
- Learning more about the impact of heterosexism and homophobia on your addiction
- Learning about your addiction in a safe and affirming environment
- Focusing your treatment plan on acceptance, integration, coming out, and risk-taking behaviors
- Embracing the chance for a long-term recovery because you will learn how to cope with your addiction in healthy ways
While there are certainly many drug and alcohol rehab programs that are sensitive to the unique challenges you face as a member of the LGBTQ community, specifically trained professionals can provide you with the most effective addiction treatment.
Barriers to LGBTQ Rehab
Heterosexism is the stigmatization of nonheterosexual emotional or physical affection and sexual behavior. Heterosexism is, unfortunately, alive and well in much of the United States, and this is even true in professional settings such as alcohol and drug rehab centers. It takes the form of negative messages that are communicated in a variety of ways, including:
- Frequent threats to couples or individuals
- Frequent acts intended to humiliate an individual
- Acts of emotional abuse
- Rejection by family or friends due to your sexual orientation
- Loss of your job because of your sexual orientation
- Hearing heterosexual jokes made at your expense
Heterosexism regularly affects your ability to access treatment services that can benefit you in your recovery. While most professional addiction therapists and treatment centers believe that heterosexism is wrong, it still plays a part in drug and alcohol rehab in many parts of the country. Many substance abuse treatment centers are not set up to properly provide you with the help you need.
Unfortunately, many therapists falsely believe that homosexuality leads to substance abuse, or they may feel that homosexuality can be reversed or changed with the right kind of therapy. Insensitivity or even antagonistic views remain toward the LGBTQ community. These negative attitudes and beliefs have only served to fuel the fire of addiction among this group.
How LGBTQ Addiction Treatment Works
When you choose to go to LGBTQ rehab, you will first find unconditional acceptance the moment you walk through the door. Going to substance abuse treatment centers for LGBTQ clients means that you will be exposed to a wide variety of treatment components, including:
- Individual counseling – These are essential for allowing you to talk about the various factors that may have led to your addiction. Talking about how you feel is incredibly healing, and you may discover some things about yourself that you did not know.Â
- Group therapy  – This is helpful to talk with others facing similar situations with addictions to drugs or alcohol, especially when they also identify as a part of the LGBTQ community. You share many of the same challenges, and you understand what you are going through. Talking about the issues you face with others can give you an incredible amount of insight into your situation, and it can help you heal.
- Health and wellness components – If you struggle with addiction, the chances are quite good that you have not paid close attention to your physical health and well-being. This area of your life is important to address, which will be done during your time at LGBT rehab. You will work with a nutritionist to create a healthy diet and incorporate regular exercise into your daily schedule. Getting your body to feel good again can help you get through the withdrawal symptoms and prepare your body for a life free of drugs and alcohol.
What to Look for in Substance Abuse Treatment Centers for LGBTQ Individuals
When researching substance abuse treatment centers for LGBTQ individuals, you might not always be sure what qualities to look for. For the best treatment, you should search for:
- An LGBT rehab that participates with your health insurance to minimize your out-of-pocket costs
- A facility that maintains a high level of confidentiality to protect your privacy
- A facility that will take your wishes for family communication into consideration
- A drug and alcohol rehab center that has a strong LGBTQ philosophy for treatment
- Staff members that are specifically trained on LGBTQ issues
- An addiction treatment program that offers dual diagnosis treatments
- A program that will provide you with an excellent discharge plan that includes ongoing treatment
Above all, do not put off getting the help you need just because obtaining all of the above does not seem possible. The right LGBT rehab is available to you.
Recover at Northpoint Idaho’s LGBTQ Rehab Program in Boise, Idaho
Regardless of your sexual orientation, you have a right to receive the best possible addiction treatment. Even so, there are specific issues that you face as a member of the LGBTQ population, and those issues need to be addressed so that you can embrace your recovery.
At Northpoint Recovery, staff members at our LGBTQ rehab in Boise, Idaho, understand your unique needs. We are dedicated to providing you with excellent care to address all of your needs and assist you during every stage of your recovery from addiction. Contact us at 888.296.8976 to learn more about our LGBTQ rehab program, or schedule your intake.