LGBTQ Addiction Rehab

If you or someone you know is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and is struggling with substance use disorder, help is available. LGBTQ-specific treatment groups and programming can help people get access to treatment, get sober, and live a thriving life in recovery.

Challenges of Substance Abuse in LGBTQ+ Life

Members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique and difficult challenges including homophobia or transphobia, family dysfunction, violence and social isolation.

LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience a drug or alcohol addiction at some point in their lifetime and to enter treatment with a more severe condition. The LGBTQ+ population faces unique challenges and an LGBTQ+ treatment center can help you find recovery from a substance use disorder.

The LGBTQ+ population has historically faced more difficulty with addiction disorders than others. According to a 2015 study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to have used an illicit drug and are almost 90 percent more likely to have used substances in adolescence compared to their heterosexual peers.

There are additional challenges that can impact a person’s relationship with addiction, including the following

The Stress of Coming Out

Many LGBTQ+ people develop a substance use disorder as a way to cope with the stress of coming out. Telling your family or close friends about your sexual orientation or gender identity can be extremely stressful on your mental health. As a result, many LGBTQ+ people use alcohol or other substances to cope.

Dealing with Society's Attitudes Towards Sexuality

Whether you're transgender and someone misidentifies you or you are gay and have experienced varying degrees of societal heterosexism, it can be challenging not to turn to substances as a means to cope with these negative situations. Also, the cisgender, heterosexual norm is often the predominant viewpoint in the media and in day-to-day life, which can make you feel marginalized, misunderstood or judged.

Turning to the Bar Scene for Social Support

Negative experiences with family and society can be harmful to LGBTQ+ people. As a result, many people turn to social circles within the LGBTQ+ community as a newfound safe space. A social network like this that is supportive of gender identity can feel like a refuge, but frequent socialization in a bar or club can further complicate a person's relationship with drugs and alcohol or worsen an existing substance use disorder.

Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community

People who have experienced one or more source of harassment or discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity may turn to alcohol and drugs as a means to cope. There are higher rates of bias and discrimination towards LGBTQ+ people than heterosexual, cisgender people, even among family, religious communities, employers and peers. And according to one study, those who had experienced some sort of harassment and discrimination were four times more likely to struggle with a substance use disorder.

Harassment towards LGBTQ+ people can vary from person-to-person, but might include:

  • Social isolation or abandonment
  • Domestic abuse
  • Physical, sexual or emotional abuse
  • Rejection by family, friends or religious community
  • Loss of a job
  • Violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Social exclusion or bullying in adolescence

Unwarranted Sex Addiction Diagnosis

A challenge some LGBTQ+ people face is an unwarranted diagnosis of a sexual addiction—being categorized as sex addicts rather than receiving acceptance of their sexual orientation.

Treatment centers and therapists that equate their clients sexual orientation to a sexual addiction or episode of ‘acting out’ are being banned in many states, as this kind of response can be harmful to the recovery process. You shouldn't be ashamed of your sexual orientation or gender identity, and you shouldn't let a treatment program or mental health therapist make you feel that way.

It's important to find a treatment center or rehab center that is understanding and competent in LGBTQ+ issues. Ask questions about what kind of approach a particular treatment center takes towards the LGBTQ+ community and how they handle sensitive issues in treatment. Watch for any mention of conversion therapy, sex addiction or comments that signal there is any issue with your sexual orientation or gender identity. Be sure the treatment center you've chosen has a supportive, competent approach to LGBTQ+ treatment, and don't be afraid to look for reviews and recommendations.

LGBTQ Rehab Centers and Gay Recovery

No matter what challenges you have faced as a person in the LGBTQ+ community, it's important to remember there is help available—both for any traumas you've faced and struggles with addiction. A rehab facility or mental health therapist that specializes in the LGBTQ+ population will keep your sexual orientation and gender identity at the core of your recovery.

What is an LGBTQ-friendly rehab center?

LGBTQ+ treatment programs recognize that a person's sexual identity is a core part of who they are. Understanding a person's gender identity should be a focal point in treatment rather than a course or tract within a broader treatment program.

These programs employ staff who are competent and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, helping their clients find recovery without vilifying or rejecting a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. These programs often include special classes or programming that focuses on issues pertinent to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as an overall culture that's understanding of what it means to be an LGBTQ+ person pursuing recovery.

What are the benefits?

There are numerous benefits of choosing an LGBTQ-friendly treatment center. Competency in issues that trans people and gay people face, including awareness of the special needs for different sexual orientations and gender identities, offering hormonal treatments in residential treatment settings, competent counseling, and most importantly, a nonjudgmental environment allows people the freedom to reconcile their lives with who they truly are—in recovery and in one's' gender identity.

Addiction Treatment Programs

There are different phases of recovery to learn about when considering an LGBTQ-friendly alcohol and drug rehab programs. From detox to an outpatient treatment program, there's help at any point in the journey.Here are the major phases of the treatment experience:

Detox

Detoxification is an important first step for people looking to get sober. Consider detox as a first step in your treatment journey. After using drugs and alcohol for a consistent period of time, many people experience withdrawal—the period of time when the body is ridding itself of substances.

Depending on the substances you've been taking, you may experience negative side effects to withdrawal, like irritation, vomiting, shaking and more. Withdrawal from certain substances, like alcohol or opiates, can even be life-threatening. With the help of medical professionals helping you get through withdrawal safely, you'll avoid returning to drugs or alcohol and will safely get to the next step in your treatment journey, which is often a residential or outpatient treatment program.

Inpatient/Residential Treatment

LGBTQ-friendly residential rehab facilities often include daily group therapy, individual counseling, mental health programming, nutritious meals, exercise programs and embedded programming unique to the LGBTQ+ population.

There are many skills taught in a residential treatment setting, including preventing relapse, addressing the underlying causes of substance abuse, and learning to build a sober support network. For LGBTQ+ people, each of these aspects has special considerations, so a specialized LGBTQ+ facility will address each treatment area with care, concern and competency towards your orientation or identity.

Outpatient Treatment

Whether you've completed a residential treatment program or are recommended to go directly to an outpatient treatment center, attending group and individual counseling on an outpatient basis can be helpful in preparing your daily life for recovery and sobriety.

The recovery environment is critical for most LGBTQ+ people. Depending on whether or not you have a safe housing environment, supportive peers or access to community resources, an outpatient program can help you stay connected to treatment programming while navigating the unique aspects of daily life in a sober way. In outpatient treatment you can also leverage support from a support group or therapist to create a relapse prevention plan, get acquainted with important community resources or form a sober support network.

How to Choose an LGBTQ+ and Gay-Friendly Rehab Center

If you think an LGBTQ+ treatment center could be right for you, it's important to ask questions to understand more about the program and what's offered. Your sexual identity should be a central part of substance abuse treatment because it’s a big part of who you are. Here a few other questions to ask as you find a treatment center that's right for you:

  • What kind of experience or training is required of counselors and therapists?

    This will help you assess the level of competency a treatment center has in LGBTQ+ issues.

  • What support group recommendations will be made?

Some people report having a negative experience being recommended to Sex Addicts Anonymous (SA) instead of being met with support for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Learn what kinds of community support groups a treatment center will offer—this can tell you more about the program's philosophy or view on certain issues.

  • What programs are offered for aftercare?

    Recovery is a long process, often requiring formal treatment services in an outpatient or residential program. But an important link in the recovery journey is aftercare—the recovery groups and ongoing support you'll receive after getting sober. Talk to your LGBTQ+ rehab program to see what programs are offered and how they can help you sustain recovery long-term.

  • How much does treatment cost?

    The cost of a treatment program varies depending on what amenities are offered, as well as how long the program lasts. A treatment program can range anywhere from $0 for a low-cost treatment center to nearly $20,000 for a luxury rehab program. Consult with your treatment center and insurance provider to learn more about what a treatment program will cost.

  • How long will this treatment program last?

    Like the cost of treatment, the length of treatment also varies. Residential programs can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days up to one year, and outpatient treatment programs can span several months, or even over a year.

  • What kind of therapies will be offered?

    While an LGBTQ+ treatment center will focus on LGBTQ-specific issues throughout the course of treatment, most treatment centers utilize therapies like motivational interviewing, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

As you get ready to start your treatment journey, remember that recovery is possible. And for those in the LGBTQ+ population, a recovery program that is compassionate and understanding of your gender identity exists, too.

Your gender identity or sexual orientation shouldn't be an afterthought in your substance abuse treatment. Consider an LGBTQ+ treatment center and find help today.

More LGBTQ Addiction Rehab Programs
Desert Hope Treatment Center Nevada
Desert Hope Treatment Center
Desert Hope Treatment Center’s name is a reflection of our mission: to be the sanctuary you need to leave drug abuse behind and find new hope for your future. As part of American Addiction Centers (AAC) portfolio of facilities through the United States, we treat both addiction and co-occurring disorders with the help of a dedicated, compassionate staff with years of experience in the treatment industry. Our location in Las Vegas, Nevada, makes it easy for people to access our life-changing programs and facilities. With an abundance of amenities and features ranging from hotel-style rooms and a private fitness center to biofeedback therapy and a music room with a grand piano, Desert Hope Treatment Center is a true recovery oasis in the Nevada desert. Come experience all the joy that a life lived in sobriety can bring to you. (866) 595-2381 Learn More
Florida Center For Recovery Florida
Florida Center For Recovery
We at Florida Center For Recovery understand the sacrifices our clients make to achieve recovery. In order to make your transition from addiction into the recovery as smooth as possible, we have assigned counselors to fully explain the process upon your arrival. Once the introductory process is completed, the process of performing the complete assessment on the severity of your addiction will start. After a complete picture of your situation is on hand, someone from our medical team will explain your treatment options which may or may not include medical detox. In our residential addiction treatment program you will receive range evidence-based and alternative therapies that aim to treat all aspects of your disease of addiction with the goal of healing your mind, body and spirit. 800-851-3291 Learn More
Westlake Recovery Texas
Westlake Recovery
Westlake Recovery is located in the heart of Downtown Austin. We are within walking distance to many major Austin hot spots- including Recovery Meeting groups. Our Luxury Sober Living home has an on-site manager as well as several full time employees dedicated solely to Sober Living in Austin and ensuring the environment is safe, nurturing and highly accountable. We also provide additional holistic health and wellness services such as a gym membership to the YMCA. monthly community events, monthly maid and cleaning services. There are daily yoga classes available at the YMCA. (512) 759-8495 Learn More
Hickory Wind Ranch California
 Hickory Wind Ranch
Hickory Wind Ranch provides a safe and nurturing environment for recovering addicts from all walks of life, geographies and crafts. Because each recovery journey is as important as one’s ultimate destination, our goal is to help every member of our community learn how to live a full and rich sober life and to achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. Our communities will provide a tranquil yet supportive environment to begin sober living in Austin. We embrace and practice the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and strive to create an environment rooted in love, service, grace, tolerance and community. Unlike most treatment centers, sober homes and half way houses, Hickory Wind Ranch in Austin, TX offers a comprehensive recovery program that helps our residents heal on all levels: mind, body and spirit. Hickory Wind Ranch is now owned and managed by Omega Recovery. (512) 759-8495 Learn More