Drug addiction is a struggle that is faced by everyone, including those in the LGBTQ community. Combating the challenges of living alternative lifestyles that can bring misunderstanding and judgment from others, as well as coming to terms with your own feelings, can lead to dangerous ways to cope. There are solutions to help with drug addiction, as our LGBTQ Drug Rehab in Orange County. Several programs offer the help and encouragement you need to overcome your addiction, all while being respected for who you identify as.

Drug addiction statistics in the LGBTQ community

Drug abuse and misuse are, unfortunately, prevalent within the LGBTQ community, as the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that there has been an increase in drug use among sexual minority adults (LGBTQ) ages 18 and above compared to heterosexual adults. An increase in past year marijuana use (37.6%) was reported among sexual minority adults in 2018 (compared to 16.2% of the overall adult population), along with an increase of past year opioid use of 9%, compared to 3.8% for the overall adult population.

It has also been revealed that the LGBTQ community is more likely to be dealing with psychiatric disorders (comorbid or co-occurring) with their substance use disorders than heterosexual adults.

Studies show homosexual and bisexual men and women are more likely to experience depression and mental distress compared to heterosexual men and women, while transgender children and teens experience higher levels of self-harm, depression, suicide, and eating disorders than non-transgender.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, especially as a way to cope with being LGBTQ, talking to someone about getting help to break their addiction is needed. Seeking more information about our LGBTQ Drug Rehab in Orange County is the action to be taken next.

What to expect from our LGBTQ Drug Rehab in Orange County

When the choice has been made to go into drug rehab, the LGBTQ community can know that they will be respected and appreciated as they go through the life-changing journey toward long-lasting recovery.

At Experience Recovery, there are a variety of programs to help people going through the struggles of drug addiction.

For those dealing with withdrawal symptoms, our drug detox treatment center provides 24/7 monitored care by medical professionals and licensed counselors to make sure you are comfortable and safe as you go through withdrawal. Approved medication is given to help with symptoms, and you will meet with our Addiction Specialist physician to outline the best treatment plan for you once you have completed detox.

Residential treatment is the next step in our LGBTQ Drug Rehab in Orange County, as you will follow a structured routine of therapy, exercise, and scientifically proven wellness methods to adopt new ways of coping with life without drugs. Day treatment is also available for those who have graduated from residential care but still need long-term support.

Outpatient programs offer you the opportunity to work or go to school again, while still attending group and individual therapy and living at home again or in a transitional living environment. Experience Recovery also helps with finding the right transitional living community, if it is needed, and assistance with returning back to work.

Freedom from drug addiction is very possible if you have the care, community, and effective methods to bring about sobriety that lasts.

Social stigma toward LGBTQ and drug abuse

Drug or substance abuse is not caused by being LGBTQ, but more by the social stigma that plagues those who embrace a different identity or sexual orientation. “Minority stress,” as Psychology Today describes it, comes from being stigmatized by others. It could be bullying at school for being transgender, discrimination on your job for being a lesbian, or disrespected by religious groups for being bisexual.

Drug addiction becomes the “support” to those dealing with stigma and rejection, as studies show LGBTQ youth are 1.5 to 3.5 times more likely to use drugs if there is rejection from parents and other family members due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Coupled with the social stigma of being LGBTQ is the stigma that comes from having a drug addiction, as people don’t seek help for fear of rejection from those they know and love.

However, as more studies are showing the connection between mental health and drug addiction, programs are being introduced to allow people access to the help they need to get sober and the acceptance of who they are and their mental health.

Experience Recovery offers dual diagnosis programs to help people not only find the treatment to stop their addiction but also uncover mental health conditions that need treatment as well. For those in the LGBTQ community, the toll social stigma has on mental health could lead people to depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other co-occurring disorders that trigger their drug addictions.

A mental health specialist will discuss your conditions with you, officially diagnosing you with your addiction and your mental health disorder, and outlining a treatment plan that can address both conditions as you detox, attend residential care, and continue treatment while transitioning back into regular life.

LGBTQ Drug Rehab in Orange County, CA

Being LGBTQ doesn’t have to lead you down the path of drug addiction or struggling with a crippling mental health condition, as our LGBTQ Drug Rehab in Orange County is there to make sure you live a healthy life free from dangerous substances.