People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) have considerable challenges to resolve when they choose a healthier path. From genetics to environmental factors, many variables define the building blocks of their disorders. Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQIA2s+ community (which we’ll collectively refer to in this article as LGBTQ), often have additional circumstances that contribute to compulsive alcohol and drug misuse.
A Damaging History
People who identify as LGBTQ have faced complex health and societal issues. As recently as 1968, the American Psychiatric Association defined homosexuality as “a ‘sexual deviation,’” and looked upon as something to be “‘cured’ and returned to a heteronormative state.” But it wasn’t until 1990 that the World Health Organization (WHO) stopped classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder and removed it from the International Classification of Diseases
However, even the WHO proclamation couldn’t eliminate decades of personal and professional criminalization, discrimination, harassment, and violence against people in the LGBTQ community. According to this CNN timeline, only in 2003 did the U.S. Supreme Court reverse the “homosexual conduct law, which decriminalizes same-sex sexual conduct.”
Unfortunately, there were also considerable healthcare disparities. Generations of medical practitioners, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals operated under severe prejudice against LGBTQ patients who suffered from various conditions. Some individuals were denied treatment altogether. And many still are.
Top 5 Reasons Why Addiction Risks Are Greater for the LGBTQ Community
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that “while no one factor can predict if a person will become addicted,” the more risk factors someone has, the more likely that they’ll develop AUD or SUD. The primary factors we all share include:
- Biology. “Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for substance use and addiction,” according to the NIDA. Approximately 50 percent of a person’s dependency risk is genetic.
- Development. “Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction,” the NIDA indicates. For example, adolescents often engage in risky behaviors because their brains are still developing in areas that “control decision-making, judgment, and self-control.” This may lead to more alcohol and drug experimentation.
- Environment. The NIDA also states that for people of any age, “factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.” Adverse childhood experiences—such as having a family member in the justice system or witnessing domestic abuse—might also compound risk.
However, some members of the LGBTQ community suffer from additional difficulties leading to addiction, such as:
- Mental health issues. According to the Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, individuals may be at a higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety, body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can be exacerbated by societal pressures and discrimination. These issues can drive individuals toward substance use as a form of self-medication.
- Family rejection. Some LGBTQ individuals may face rejection and estrangement from their families when they come out. This loss of support creates a sense of isolation and emotional distress, making people more susceptible to addiction.
- Peer influences. While LGBTQ communities offer tremendous connection and a sense of belonging, especially as a chosen family, they can also expose individuals to social environments where substance use is prevalent. Peer pressure and the normalization of substance use can increase the risk of addiction.
- Discrimination and stigma. Discrimination and social stigma based on one’s sexual orientation or gender identity often cause feelings of isolation, shame, and low self-esteem. These negative experiences can contribute to using substances as a coping mechanism.
- Minority stress. Minority stress is defined as a chronic condition resulting from being a member of a marginalized group. It often manifests as anxiety, depression, and other emotional and mental health issues, which may increase the likelihood of turning to substance use as a way to cope.
It’s essential to acknowledge that addiction is a complicated health condition influenced by a combination of factors. Like all of us, LGBTQ individuals can benefit from access to appropriate mental health support, addiction recovery services, and community resources to address these individual and collective struggles and reduce the risk of addiction.
Ivory Plains: Your Allies in Health
Inclusive, supportive, and non-discriminatory environments play a crucial role in preventing substance abuse and promoting the well-being of all members of the LGBTQ community. This is the atmosphere you’ll find at our addiction rehabilitation program in Adair, Iowa. Additionally, our board-certified professionals rely on evidence-based treatment methods and holistic lifestyle techniques to support your recovery goals and help you explore new ways of thinking and being so you can take charge of your future. Call our admission team today to learn more about Ivory Plain’s whole-person philosophy of care.
