The Stonewall Uprising in 1969 transformed the gay liberation movement. Pride Month began the following year and still holds as tradition to this day – every June. It began at The Stonewall Inn: a gay bar. Typically, gatherings at bars like The Stonewall Inn were secretive to avoid police raids, verbal and physical threats from outsiders. A secretive place like this was perfect for drug and alcohol use.
Today, LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely than their heterosexual counterparts to consume illegal drugs and suffer from substance use disorders, which could cause a person to lose control of their drug use.
Causes
Pride Month honors the movement, improvement and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ rights. Despite progress, many LGBTQ+ people remain ‘in the closet,’ face homophobic treatment, discrimination or all the above. This creates feelings of loneliness and/or anxiety. Some lose the support and recognition of their family, friends and significant others. So, LGBTQ+ individuals turn to drug use as a way of avoiding their harsh reality.
That’s only one reason LGBTQ+ drug use is significantly higher than that of a non-LGBTQ+ person. Queer nightlife is also a huge stimulant for drug use, as these bars and underground spots are the hub for connection, pleasure and community. Club drugs like MDMA and psychoactive substances like poppers allow for more self-expression, bonding and comfort. This is something LGBTQ+ individuals may feel they lack in their typical day-to-day.
Internalized homophobia is another factor of increased drug use. This is when a person doesn’t feel comfortable in their skin or with their identity. Drugs serve as an escape.
Co-occurring disorders among the LGBTQ+ community such as depression, anxiety, stress, HIV and AIDS is another reason for increased drug use.
Often, LGBTQ+ people feel they can’t turn to a facility for help due to fear of judgement or rejection.
Luckily though, rehabilitation treatment centers have recognized the increased demand for LGBTQ+ specific treatment options. This is a way to shed light on the issue of increased drug use among the LGBTQ+ community to provide relief and support.
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