The scope of the problem and statistical information about the prevalence of substance-related and addictive disorders
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender and Queer individuals are a unique group that has been identified to be affected by use, misuse and abuse of drugs and other substances. The substances of abuse include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and heroin among others. The abuse is associated with social stigma discrimination, harassment and violence compared to other groups who identify as heterosexuals. A survey conducted in 2015 by National Survey on Drug Use and Health, (NSDUH) which described LGBTQ as sexual minorities associated the increased substance use to risk in behavior an increase in diseases. (Medley et al., 2016). It was established that they are twice likely than heterosexual individuals to abuse substances and drugs. The survey indicated that 39.1 percent of LGBTQS versus 17.1 percent of heterosexual individuals were identified as having used illicit drugs and substances in the past year (Medley et al., 2016).
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A specific breakdown form research shows that 30.7 percent of LGBTQs used marijuana in the past year while in comparison only 12.9 percent of heterosexual adults have used marijuana (Medley et al., 2016). An estimation of 10.4 percent of LGBTQs also misused prescription pain relievers, compared to 4.5 of heterosexual’s adults. A survey from the U.S. Census Bureau conducted in 2013 also displayed similar addiction and drug and substance abuse especially in alcohol consumption where they found that there was a higher percentage of LGBT adults reported past-year binge drinking aged between 18 and 64 who on a single occasion had five or more drinks(Medley et al., 2016). It was a comparison with the heterosexual adults. The survey also revealed that LGBTQ people in treatment for Substance Use Disorders had initiated alcohol consumption earlier at a younger age than their heterosexual counterparts.
Substance use related disorders
LGBTQs have higher risks of substance use disorders as they have been diagnosed with several substances disorders. Research has shown that in the LGBTQ community transgender are most likely to seek treatment for substance use disorders. It is also combined with psychiatric disorders where gay and bisexual men and lesbian and bisexual women are frequently diagnosed with mental suffering and depression than their heterosexual equivalents (Medley et al., 2016). Treatments include social support therapy, contingency management, and cognitive behavior management.
Substance-use patterns specific to LGBTQs.
Increase use with age - a majority of LGBTQs use drugs to cope with problems of coming out, rejection by friends, family’s harassment and internal biphobia, transphobia, or homophobia (Medley et al., 2016). Since the community deals with stigma throughout their lives, substance abuse does not decrease with age as is typical with the general population.
Self- medication as most people from the community use drugs as a genuine form of medication to reduce effects form health problems. For example, a majority have associated the use of marijuana to treat anxiety and mood disorders.
Similar abuse in both genders . Both men and women in the LGBTQ community abuse drugs and substances without restrictions on gender. Both sexes search for acceptance and social equality in their circles to subdue the lack of recognition in the larger society and therefore do not discriminate against themselves.
Signs or symptoms of addiction that are specific to LGBTQ .
Social isolation for the LGBTQ makes it difficult to identify their signs and symptoms of addiction. However, dependence may be detected if they show the inability to stop drinking or use of other drugs, negligence of daily activities, poor hygiene and drastic changes in behavior and appearance, extreme mood swings and exhibits of uncontrolled anger (Cochran & Cauce, 2006). Increase in secret behavior and absurd presentations should also be questioned as they may signify drug abuse and addiction problems for the LGBTQ
Factors that influence the rate of substance-related and addictive disorders in LGBTQ .
Stressful childhoods - for the LGBTQs to be accepted as who they are and be identified as exceptional rather than abnormal many of them face many hardships and experience tough childhoods(Cochran & Cauce, 2006). Their parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, friends, and schoolmates do not understand them and are often violent leading to feelings of threat, insecurity, identity crisis, and inability to love o feel loved which often lead them to escape in substance abuse.
Victimization -many LGBTQ have been victimized and threatened as a result of their gender identification which has exposed them to the risk of drug abuse. They overcome their sorrows and enables them to function as the ordinary individual without fear of judgment or ridicule when they are under the influence leading to drug and substance abuse.
Family conflict s- individuals who identify as LGBTQ have constant fights with their families in search of endorsement and support which is usually unavailable due to their deviation from the norm (Cochran & Cauce, 2006).
Mental illness - more LGBTQ who seek treatment have displayed a high level of mental illness than the heterosexual groups. Research has shown that they are also likely to be diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders. Reports indicate that they are also expected to report suicidal ideas and attempts (Gonzales & Henning-Smith 2017).
The barriers to identifying and treating substance-related and addictive disorders
Barriers which hinder identification of drug and substance abuse in LGBTQ community include:
Social stigma and Judgment- Gay lesbians, transgender and the queer face social stigma due to their unique ID concerning gender. They are often avoided by other members of society who consider them as different, specials and as a bad influence to the healthy society. Subjection to social stigma and judgment creates a barrier in the identification of addictions, misuse and use of drug and substance among the community (Cochran & Cauce, 2006).
Lack of communication- the addictive disorders and substance abuse experienced by the LGBTQ is not discussed or explained. Little attention is paid to the issues which make it impossible to address the problem. There also exist few individuals to represent and focus on LGBTQ issues hence lack of recognition.
Discrimination and prejudice- LGBTQs are discriminated and prejudiced as a curse in society. They face rejection and unacceptance in participation in usual and regular societal practices. They are associated with immortality and unacceptable sexual behaviors and practices in the community which makes the society unconcerned and not interested in their issues and complications that they may face. It creates a barrier to societal involvement (Gonzales & Henning-Smith 2017).
Isolation and alienation- Members of the community are isolated and alienated as unfit o specialized group in society. Due to their unique behaviors, they are alienated and isolated to deal with their issues on their own. Due to the isolation and exclusion, they find it had to discuss and open up to discuss their use of abuse of substances even with healthcare providers (Gonzales & Henning-Smith 2017).
Evaluation of the implications and consequences of non-treatment.
The high rate of addiction and substance abuse among the LGBTQ is concerning and calls for interventions and measures to address the problem. Failure to treat the community will result in increased internalized homophobic beliefs and continued increase in substance abuse which has detrimental effects on the society in general. The consequences include the loss of life and severe addiction results in death, increased costs of rehab care which drains society resources. Increase in mental illnesses and the spread of HIV/AIDS which is easily spread among the LGBTQ (Gonzales & Henning-Smith 2017). Substance abuse has physical, social, emotional economic and psychological implications and consequences which will affect the society as a whole if the issues are not addresses and solutions affected.
References
Cochran B.N, & Cauce A.M. (2006). Characteristics of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals entering substance abuse treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse and Treatment . Vol. 30 issue 2 pp. 135-146.
Gonzales G. & Henning-Smith C. (May 2017). Health Disparities by Sexual Orientation: Results and Implications from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Journal of Community Health.
Medley G., Lipari R., Bose J., Cribb D, Kroutil L, & McHenry G. (October 2016 ). Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. NSDUH Data Review. Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015.html.
