Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community are marginalized and discriminated against for their sexual orientation or identity. This treatment can lead to a serious decline in mental health.
One way some people attempt to cope with severe distress is by using substances like drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, this puts them at risk of falling into the cycle of addiction. Due to the difficulties faced by people in the LGBTQIA+ community, they are at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD).
Difficulties Faced by LGBTQIA+ People
Every person’s journey of addiction and recovery is unique. However, some populations have unique experiences and needs that should be addressed in treatment. Some common problems faced by LGBTQIA+ people often impact their stories of addiction.
#1. Stigma and Discrimination
Discrimination and stigma often hurt LGBTQIA+ individuals Society’s negative attitudes toward this community can result in internalized homophobia, pity, and fear of judgment. Sometimes, stigma results in overt violence.
Fear of judgment may prevent people from asking for help or seeking support through appropriate services. It can deter people from seeking addiction treatment when they need help.
#2. Traumatic Experiences
The LGBTQIA+ community tends to be at a greater risk of experiencing trauma. Sexual and gender minorities often find themselves the targets of discrimination, harassment, or violence.
Untreated trauma poses an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, including SUD. Trauma can also make it hard to depend on others and open yourself up to trusting others. This can greatly impact someone’s ability to create a healthy support system.
#3. Rejection for Being LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ people may have experienced rejection from their family members. This can make them feel isolated and alone.
Familial rejection can also result in economic instability. People struggling to survive may turn to illegal activities, which can result in trouble with the law. Financial insecurity may also make it challenging to access treatment.
Recovery Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Fortunately, various resources are readily available to support individuals within this community. The following resources can help you throughout your journey at Dream Recovery. We understand the importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusive treatment.
Individual Therapy
Our facility educates our staff on addressing the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. This knowledge enables us to offer you a risk-free and encouraging atmosphere for recovery.
Throughout your therapy sessions, you can explore how being LGBTQIA+ in an often-hostile world has impacted your mental health and substance use. You can also explore how this community can provide a support network for you in recovery.
LGBTQIA+ Support Groups
A support group can be an excellent resource for LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery. These groups provide a secure space to share experiences, build relationships, and obtain assistance from others who have similar stories.
Dream Recovery provides a particular group for these clients, enabling them to get in touch with peers who can relate.
Long-Term Recovery for LGBTQIA+ People
Recovery that lasts requires healing from trauma. Having a support network, healthy coping skills, and self-love are other essential aspects. Everyone in recovery is working on these things. Fortunately, LGBTQIA+ individuals can develop them too.
Resolving Trauma
No matter who you are, attending to your trauma is crucial to lasting recovery. Trauma-informed care acknowledges the impact of previous experiences on a person’s mental and emotional health.
By working to address these experiences in recovery, you increase your ability to maintain lasting sobriety. Addressing the trauma that influenced your story of addiction is an essential step toward self-love and other aspects of mental health.
Building LGBTQIA+ Support Systems
Establishing a solid support group is essential to lasting recovery. Support systems can consist of family members, friends, recovery peers, and others who comprehend and support your recovery.
A support group can be difficult to establish. This is especially true if you have experienced a great deal of backlash for your sexual identity or orientation. Finding a support system that supports all aspects of your identity is essential.
Managing Co-Occurring Disorders
Because of the emotional stress and anxiety the people within this community face, the possibility of having a co-occurring disorder is high. Addressing all your conditions is essential for success in recovery as well as for general health and wellness.
It is necessary to be familiar with the roles that each condition plays in your ability to apply your coping skills and maintain sobriety.
Practicing Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Creating healthy and balanced coping strategies is critical to lasting recovery. These coping strategies may include mindfulness, creative engagement, meditation, or physical activity.
Identifying coping techniques that benefit your needs as well as implementing them into your everyday routine is of great importance.
Advocating for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Giving back to your community can help you find meaning in your new, sober life. Advocating for yourself and other LGBTQIA+ people can help you reduce feelings of seclusion and marginalization.
Of course, you may prefer to give back in other ways. Community outreach is all about what brings you joy, purpose, and confidence. Dream Recovery is a great place to explore how recovery can change your life and the lives of others around you.
Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) can be an overwhelming process. Individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community may have unique experiences that contribute to their relationship with SUD. Understanding how your identity and people’s reactions to it contributed to your addiction can help you overcome it. Review different techniques that you can use to make the most out of your experience at Dream Recovery as an LGBTQIA+ person. We are here to help you find an individualized approach to help you heal from trauma, connect with others, and reach your goals. To learn more about how Dream Recovery accounts for the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ people in recovery, reach out to us today by calling (657) 216-7218.
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