Substance abuse in the LGBTQ+ community is significantly higher when compared to heterosexual men and women with addiction. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ youths under 21 reported using alcohol within the last year. Plus, one in three youths reported using marijuana, and one in ten used prescription opioids that were not prescribed to them. Fortunately, men and women who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer or questioning can find compassionate support through LGBTQ+-friendly rehabs in Massachusetts.
At Evoke Waltham, we welcome LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with an addiction to alcohol, prescription opioids, heroin, or other dangerous substances. Our therapists have experience treating substance use for sexual minorities using various behavioral therapies and medical support to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Patients will participate in group and private therapy sessions in a facility that caters to the LGBTQ+ community. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, contact our team at 866.276.1920 today for more information about our LGBTQ+ addiction rehab in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Understanding Substance Abuse in the LGBTQ+ Community
Men and women in the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to use drugs and alcohol due to the continuing stigma, misunderstanding, and harassment they face. Depression and anxiety conditions are more than double within this community, and because many people continue to hide their true selves from everyone, their symptoms will only worsen. When they start using drugs or alcohol to feel better, it creates co-occurring substance use conditions caused by depression or anxiety disorders.
Co-occurring conditions are more challenging to treat as one condition fuels the other. Patients must learn to manage multiple self-destructive thoughts and behaviors before their symptoms worsen, leading to suicidal thoughts or attempts.
A more positive statistic about substance abuse in the LGBTQ+ community is that they are more likely to seek treatment and benefit from the recovery program. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing the behaviors triggered by troubling thoughts, situations, or people. Patients learn how to cope with their feelings in healthy ways while developing supportive relationships with other LGBTQ+ members.
At Evoke Waltham, we have effective treatment programs for addiction in the LGBTQ+ community at our discreet luxury treatment facility. We provide in-patient treatment programs, day treatment, and intensive outpatient programs that support every stage of the recovery journey.
Fighting Addiction in the LGBTQ+ Community
Men and women in the LGBTQ+ community can find compassionate treatment for their substance use disorder at rehab facilities that offer LGBTQ+-specific programs. Therapists focus on the issues that matter most to the LGBTQ+ community in a space that promotes long-lasting sobriety and strong community support. Some of the therapies and treatments that are the most effective in treating substance use disorder include:
Behavioral Therapies
One of the leading forms of behavioral therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. It has proven results in treating addiction, depression, bipolar disorders, and other mental health conditions. CBT replaces negative behaviors with more healthy coping skills that allow them to maintain their sobriety and mental well-being no matter their situation. Other types of behavioral therapies that benefit addiction recovery include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Recovering from addiction includes several days of intense withdrawals and cravings for their preferred substance. When symptoms peak, relapse is inevitable without medical support. As part of a comprehensive recovery program, medical staff will administer medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications are temporary, and patients will be tapered off them as their symptoms fade. Patients with co-occurring conditions may require continuing their drugs to treat any lingering depressive or anxiety symptoms.
Family Therapy
Another critical program for fighting substance abuse in the LGBTQ+ community is helping parents and siblings accept their lifestyle and begin repairing the family unit. All family members will work with a therapist in private and group discussions. These discussions help resolve lingering conflicts, repair relationships, and build a stable and supportive home environment.
Find LGBTQ+-Friendly Rehab in Massachusetts at Evoke Waltham
Evoke Waltham is a full-service addiction treatment facility with substance abuse programs for the LGBTQ+ community. When patients first arrive, our team fully assesses their physical and mental health and the severity of the addiction to develop an effective LGBTQ+-focused recovery program. Patients will participate in group and private therapy sessions led by an experienced behavioral therapist active in the LGTBQ+ community.
To learn more about our programs that treat substance abuse in the LGBTQ+ community, contact us at 866.276.1920 to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.
