The Need for LGBTQIA+Specific Addiction Treatment

The LGBTQIA+ community has higher alcohol and drug addiction rates than many other groups of people. Individuals who identify as part of this community face many unique challenges that may contribute to higher addiction rates. There is a great need for LGBTQIA+ rehab centers that can address these obstacles.

The Vulnerability of Members in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face various difficulties, such as societal pressures and co-occurring disorders. Many individuals struggle to cope with these challenges. Individuals who can’t find the support they need may turn to unhealthy habits of drug and alcohol use.

Societal Pressures

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ often face societal challenges. These difficulties include:

• Discrimination
• Stigmatization
• Hate crimes
• Emotional abuse
• Threats
• Public humiliation
• Rejection and isolation
• Shame
• Loss of employment or promotion
• Sexual assault and abuse

These issues can cause physical and emotional harm to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As individuals seek to cope with the societal issues they face, some turn to unhealthy habits of alcohol or drug use.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Many mental health disorders are present in the LGBTQIA+ community. Common disorders include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• High levels of stress
• Suicidal and self-harm tendencies
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Emotional instability

Individuals seeking to manage these co-occurring disorders may turn to alcohol or drugs. However, these addictions only add to the stresses and difficulties individuals face.

How Specialized Addiction Treatment Can Help

Treatment centers that address the underlying causes of addiction enable their clients to achieve sobriety. An LGBTQIA+-specific treatment center is sensitive to the needs of those in the community, understanding underlying causes such as societal pressures and co-occurring disorders.

Specialized addiction treatment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community can address many needs and topics, such as:

• Self-esteem, love and acceptance
• Coming out
• Gender identification issues
• Shame
• Discrimination
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Other factors that may lead to harmful behaviors

When focusing on the unique situation that members of the LGBTQIA+ community face, treatment centers can offer individuals the specialized care they need on their path to recovery. They can help individuals find support, understanding and hope.

DreamLife Recovery’s LGBTQIA+ Addiction Treatment

At DreamLife Recovery, we strive to create a safe, supportive environment for each of our clients. One of our priorities is to ensure individuals feel free to be open about who they are and the challenges they face. When you or your loved one comes to DreamLife Recovery, you can expect specialized care and support that addresses the specific concerns members of the LGBTQIA+ community face.

We use a holistic approach to address the unique stressors individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community deal with daily. Our services include a wide range of treatments, from individual therapy to specialized group therapy. We provide trauma-informed care, as well as aftercare programming. We want to ensure individuals receive comprehensive support and experience complete healing.

Our staff is composed of members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. Each staff member is committed to offering the informed support individuals need to feel accepted and comfortable. We provide our staff with training to ensure our facility is a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. At the client’s request, loved ones may also be involved in treatment processes to help promote recovery and healing.

Begin a Journey of Healing Today

If you or a loved one needs help addressing addiction, DreamLife Recovery is here for you. Our LGBTQIA+ drug and alcohol addiction treatment center offers detoxification services, residential treatment and aftercare assistance to help you or your loved one find a path to recovery. Contact us online today to learn more about our LGBTQIA+-specific addiction recovery services.