LGBTQ+ individuals have unique challenges when it comes to addiction. When pursuing recovery services, some clients can face difficult issues such as discrimination or judgment, which can limit the healing process.It may even discourage some people from pursuing the lifesaving care services they need. Its important to explore why location, community support and affirming care are critical for LGBTQ+ individuals achieving sobriety.Higher Rates of Substance UseOver the years, researchers have examined the rates of substance use among individuals who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to Rehab.coms Drug Use Statistics Report, those who identified as a sexual minority were nearly twice as likely to use substances than those who identified as heterosexuals.Sexual minorities also had an increased likelihood of using multiple substances such as alcohol, cocaine and heroin. Even more daunting, the Human Rights Campaign found that the risk of substance use among transgender youth was four times higher than cisgender individuals. One of the possible causes of this is the isolation that LGBTQ+ members can experience in society at times.Other challenges that contribute to this increased usage include family rejection, discrimination and a lack of support. This research highlights the increased need for specific programs for LGBTQ+ individuals at addiction treatment facilities.Experiences of LGBTQ+ Members Seeking TreatmentWhile addiction treatment centers may offer many of the same effective recovery services, it unfortunately doesnt mean that the experiences of LGBTQ+ members are equal to their counterparts. Researchers looked into the experiences of individuals who received treatment in facilities that did not offer LGBTQ+ specific programs.Some of the patient level experiences that were found to have occurred included name-calling, bullying, sexual harassment and physical distancing from peers. The negative experiences were not just limited to the patients. LGBTQ+ staff members also experienced name-calling as well as misgendering and lack of intervention in peer bullying. As a result of the stigma and discrimination that patients experienced, some individuals resorted to identity concealment and substance use relapse.Participants in the study provided recommendations to help promote more affirming care within addiction treatment facilities. Some of the recommendations included rigorous staff training, non-discrimination policies and direct involvement of LGBTQ+ clients in substance use policy making and treatment planning.Availability of LGBTQ+ Specific ProgramsA study looked into the availability of LGBTQ+ specific services at substance abuse facilities within the United States. Researchers found that only 17.6 percent of substance abuse facilities offered these specific services.Interestingly, it was found that while states with a higher LGBTQ+ population positively correlated with mental health facilities offering LGBTQ+ specific programs, it wasnt the case for substance abuse facilities. Nonetheless, places with a higher degree of acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals can more likely provide a supportive atmosphere. There may also be more sober living arrangements and social networks within the community which can be a great support system for individuals in recovery.Unfortunately, the case can be the opposite for locations that have limited resources and may be less understanding of these issues. A lack of specific LGBTQ+ programs may lower the likelihood that an individual will seek help for their addiction due to the fear for ones safety and the possibility of receiving judgment. To learn more about places that provide supportive care, you can look through Rehab.coms list of the best cities for LGBTQ+ rehab programs.What Defines LGBTQ+ Affirming Care?There are certain characteristics that are important to see in an addiction treatment facility that are a reflection of LGBTQ+ affirming care. Perhaps the most important characteristic that needs to exist is respect.The staff members should acknowledge and respect a persons sexual orientation and gender identity, using their preferred name and pronouns. Additionally, healthcare providers will have the necessary training to understand the specific disparities and health care challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face.Another important aspect of LGBTQ+ affirming care is advocacy and support. A facility should consistently be advocating for practices and policies that promote equality and access to healthcare. Inclusive language and practices should be implemented, such as the use of gender neutral language in intake forms and gender neutral bathrooms.Benefits of LGBTQ+ Affirming CareAn addiction treatment facility that provides LGBTQ+ affirming care offers a number of benefits that can support overall recovery. One of the top advantages is that you get to work with staff members who are experienced in LGBTQ+ issues. In some cases, these staff members may also be members of the community, which gives them a better understanding of how to address your specific challenges.Another benefit of affirming care is that clients can participate in groups with other LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with addiction. Being surrounded by peers can allow you to be more comfortable opening up to others about what youre going through without any concern of receiving judgment. It creates a sense of belonging which can further encourage recovery.You also get the chance to receive encouragement and learn from the experiences of your peers. Clients can discover new healthy coping mechanisms that they can utilize to maintain their sobriety. Through solidarity, they can also be empowered to be resilient against discrimination.Additionally, LGBTQ+ affirming care can address co-occurring mental health disorders that often impact the community and influence the use of substances. Because of the discrimination and lack of social support LGBTQ+ members experience, theres often a higher rate of depression and anxiety compared to their heterosexual peers. With professionals who recognize these unique challenges exist, the issue can be better addressed. When people are able to access LGBTQ+ affirming care, theyre more likely to have better mental health outcomes.In addition to all of these benefits, addiction treatment centers that provide LGBTQ+ affirming care can assist with connecting you to additional resources that can support your overall recovery. Individuals can be connected to health facilities that can address health needs such as HIV/AIDS treatment and gender affirming care for transgender and gender non-binary individuals. The benefits of LGBTQ+ specific care cannot be understated given how much it can improve the overall health and wellness of the community.The post The Role of Location, Community Support, and Affirming Care in LGBTQ+ Recovery appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.