People from the LGBTQ+ community face a lot of social struggles. Often, their experiences might put them at risk of substance use and abuse. An estimated 30% of LGBTQ+ people abuse substances. However, only 9% of the general population has this problem.
Meanwhile, all rehab centers and substance abuse treatment plans might suit them. The LGBTQ+ community seeks treatment that understands their stressors, particularly. But how are their treatment plans different from other plans?
The specialized LGBTQ+ treatment option offers a customized and tailored recovery approach. It includes evidence-based care alongside many shared experiences. These two elements create a safe and affirming space for better healing!
The Deliberate Addiction Triggers
Mainly, stigma and rejection serve as common substance triggers for people in the LGBTQ+ community. These individuals often grapple with deep feelings of isolation and misunderstanding, which experiences of discrimination or even violence can compound.
Over time, these emotional burdens can lead to substance use as a means of coping, making it even more difficult for them to seek the help they need.
The trauma from such various experiences also adds up. Hence, the LGBTQ+ communities need rehab programs where medical practitioners empathize with them. You can’t put them through the healing process until you genuinely understand their traumas and challenges. That’s why inclusive treatment programs are so crucial for people representing this community.
The Therapeutic Components
LGBTQ+-centered therapeutic care is different from standard rehab therapies. The medicinal treatments are sparingly applied to them. However, group and cognitive therapies are practiced with greater focus.
At the same time, doctors should consider any co-occurring mental health issues the individual may be facing, as well as potential relationship stressors that could be contributing to their condition.
The Significance of LGBTQ+ Substance Addiction
The people from this community are more vulnerable when it comes to handling substance use challenges. That includes illicit drug use and abuse problems. Or excess alcohol consumption. Here are the most pressing challenges that people from this community face.
In the last 24 months, women who associate with this community have been explicit binge drinkers. Indeed, it is an outcome linked to domestic and social trauma. These women are three times more likely to go through rehab center treatments.
Around 43 to 49% of LGBTQ+ women had used illicit drugs. Meanwhile, 47 to 49% of the men in the community used a range of illegal drugs. Sadly, around 32% of lesbians and bisexual females had substance use disorders, too.
Best Addiction Treatment for the LGBTQ+ Population
Research suggests that the LGBTQ+ population needs rehab centers that are inclusive for all. However, the centers that provide holistic treatment should be preferred. These centers offer lifelong health benefits and close care:
Inpatient Treatment
It is one of the most structured programs for severe substance disorder patients. Meanwhile, it is a safe place where people can be free from hurtful situations. Plus, there are no harmful groups and random substance abuse triggers.
Most importantly, these rehab centers are highly regulated. Therefore, the inpatients go through a clinical routine. Such programs help you regain a schedule in your life. They create a regime you will follow for the rest of your life.
Outpatient Treatment Options
The outpatient centers provide a flexible treatment approach. When you opt for this treatment, you can live at home while engaging in therapeutic recovery. For LGBTQ+ individuals, outpatient services might not be as valuable. However, they can still take part in the program if they face mild to moderate substance disorders.
Insurance Coverage for LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment
In 2010, the Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act went live. Now, you will get coverage for some proportion of mental health services if you have health insurance.
However, insurance plans and coverages might vary. So, it’s better to call your insurance agent. He will assist you with an affordable scheme that covers multiple treatment areas.
Remember, people from the LGBTQ+ community might face a lot of financial concerns. So they might not be able to pay high insurance premiums.
What’s in there for such people? Well, there are a host of payment options to try. Meanwhile, many treatment centers offer sliding-scale payments and even grants. Some centers work entirely on government funding as well.
