LGBTQ and Addiction: How Addiction Affects The LGBTQ Community

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, people who identify as gay or lesbian are more than twice as likely as those who identify as heterosexual to have an alcohol use disorder.

The most common stimulants used by the LGBTQ community include meth, cocaine, and adderall. Studies show that gay men are 12.2 more likely to use these drugs than straight men.

Chem sex refers to the use of substances like crystal meth before or during sexual encounters to enhance the experience. While engaging in chem sex does not necessarily mean that someone has a substance use disorder, the routine coupling of substances with sex can also lead to increased risk of development of a dependance or addiction.

Marijuana is often used recreationally, though it can also be used to cope with stress and anxiety in the LGBTQ community. Several studies have reported that marijuana is used by adults living with HIV/AIDS to alleviate stress, symptoms, and side effects. Like with any substance, if marijuana becomes the primary method of stress reduction it can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. 

The current opioid crisis has been marked by record spikes in overdose deaths related to heroin and fentanyl. Risk is especially high right now as many non-opioid street drugs like cocaine and crystal meth are often cut with fentanyl before being sold.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 LGBTQ adults smoke cigarettes compared to that o f  1 in 6 straight adults.

Many individuals in the LGBTQ community remain “in the closet” out of fear of judgment and discrimination from family, friends, and close support systems. The culminating pressure of secrecy and living a double life can become frustrating, anxiety-provoking, and lonely. Individuals may use substances to cope with this loneliness and fear of being outed.

Fostering connection and community and safe spaces can be very important. Historically there have been a number of LGBTQ and gay communities around the country such as West Hollywood in Los Angeles and Greenwich Village in New York City that cater exclusively to the LGBTQ community. For those who have faced prejudice, these areas can provide solace and escape where people can find a welcoming environment. However as with many communities frequent partying and regular use of substances can increase risks for substance use disorder.

Even though much work has been done to combat discrimination, it’s still common for LGBTQ members to face prejudice, social stigma, homophobia and transphobia. There are those that may face discimination and lack family support, and others who are faced with the stressors of being surrounded by homophobia and bullying by friends, acquaintances, strangers, and relatives. In addition, people in the LGBTQ community are also at a higher risk of workplace harassment and hate crimes. While numerous states have passed laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, there are still prejudices in regards to housing, employment, and social services. Those in same-sex relationships can also find it difficult to find adequate health coverage for their significant others due to employer discrimination. As a result of these external factors, these individuals may turn to substances to cope with the challenges they face and become hesitant to find treatment.

Taking the above factors into consideration, in conjunction with substance use, LGBTQ individuals are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. They are also more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, and attempts as a result from a co-occurring mental disorder that may have led to substance use, or that continually perpetuates it. When seeking out treatment for yourself or a loved one with a co-occurring disorder, it’s important to find treatment that will treat both disorders simultaneously. If not treated, this can cause a higher risk of relapse.