AS AN OPENLY GAY MALE OR FEMALE, IS IT SAFE TO GO TO AN ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER?

AS AN OPENLY GAY MALE OR FEMALE, IS IT SAFE TO GO TO AN ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER?

Drug and alcohol addiction is a problem for people from all walks of life, but it has hit the LGBTQ community especially hard. Being gay in America is certainly easier now than it has ever been before, but it still carries a huge stigma. Many young gay men and women are disowned by their families and forced out of their homes, and even those who have healthy home lives still face prejudice just because of who they are. On top of that, there is a sizable “party” subculture within the young gay community that involves lots of drugs and alcohol.

If you are openly gay male or female we have a safe place to go for addiction treatment. If you are struggling with drugs and alcohol, you can certainly check into a drug rehab clinic for treatment; no reputable rehab center will turn you away. However, you may want to seek out a program that is geared specifically for LGBTQ people if you want the best results.

Help from People Who Understand

Generally speaking, treatment for drug and alcohol abuse is not the same for LGBTQ people as it is for those who identify cisgender, heterosexual. It still involves recovering from your physical addiction while facing the underlying problems that drove you to use in the first place. The difference between LGBTQ rehab and a non-specific gay rehab is that LGBTQ treatment is provided by people who understand the issues you face as a gay person. Not everyone will have the same experiences as you, but they will understand the stigma and prejudice that you’ve faced in your life. In fact, many peers and staff in an openly gay male or female safe place for addiction treatment will have faced the same issues. That kind of understanding will certainly make your treatment much easier.

Another advantage of seeking treatment from a center that caters to the LGBTQ community is that you will be surrounded by patients who are very much like yourself. There is no pressure or shame in “coming out” to someone who might shun you or vilify you for who you are. You can voice your concerns and tell your story without fear.

So yes, you ought to proceed with caution when thinking about checking in to a non-specific LGBTQIA+ center as it may add more trauma to your story. Stop the trauma and start participating in therapy while learning how to work a program of recovery. Consider seeking out a Gay or LGBTQIA+ specific program such as Inspire Recovery to comfortably recover with your community. If you are in need of assistance from a place such as this, feel free to give us a call at 561-899-6088. Our staff is available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and provide assistance.