A group of transgender people in a therapy.

Are you or is someone you struggling with addiction?

Inspire Recovery can help! Call 561-786-2655 for a free & confidential consultation.

Substance Use Support for Transgender Individuals

Due to the deep emotional, physical, interpersonal, and systemic struggles that are part of many transgender and nonbinary people’s experiences, substance use often becomes a way to cope. For many, the struggle begins when they are very young and is shaped by fear of rejection or the pressure to hide who they are. To reduce the distress caused by addiction and overdose, substance use support for transgender individuals is essential.

Substance use support that makes a real difference to trans folks happens in spaces where their identities are affirmed. Inspire Recovery’s addiction treatment programs give transgender people this kind of environment that promotes healing and lets them live their truth.

How Common Is Substance Use in Transgender and Nonbinary Communities?

Early studies on substance use among LGBTQ+ people primarily focused on lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Thankfully, research today is beginning to include transgender and nonbinary people. Now, people are starting to recognize their unique experiences with substance use and recovery.

Findings show that transgender individuals face significantly higher occurrences of substance use disorders (SUDs) compared to cisgender people. A paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that transgender adults were 3.6 times more likely to use drugs of any kind. More specifically, they experienced:

5 times the rate of marijuana-related SUDs
4 times the rate of cocaine-related SUDs
3 times the rate of opioid-related SUDs

Another study in the National Library of Medicine reported that nearly half (47%) of transgender adults reported binge drinking in the past three months, far above the 17% reported in the general population.

Younger transgender adults, especially those between 18 and 25, appear to be the most at risk. They are more likely than older trans adults and cisgender people of any age to have substance use disorders, with the exception of nicotine-related conditions.

Choosing a Detox Program That Respects Transgender Identity

The right detox program for a trans person is one where you will feel seen, safe, and affirmed. Inspire Recovery’s substance use detox program was created with a focus on transgender people because they often face barriers in traditional detox programs. We offer trauma-informed, identity-affirming care that meets you exactly where you are.

From the moment you reach out, you are supported by a team that understands the weight of stigma and the courage it takes to ask for help. Your care plan is personalized, holistic, and built with your lived experience in mind. Whether you are going through recovery for the first time or returning to it with renewed clarity, you will be surrounded by people who care.

How Trauma-Informed Care Supports Substance Use Recovery for Transgender People

Trauma-informed care goes a long way in supporting transgender people who have a history of substance use. This kind of treatment considers the impact of trauma and systemic stress that many in the community experience. Transgender people often experience childhood abuse, rejection, homelessness, and discrimination, and these affect psychosocial development, mental health, and coping skills.

In a trauma-informed setting, care providers intentionally build trust and safety by not assuming gender, respecting names, and ensuring physical and emotional comfort. Therapists avoid power-over dynamics, instead collaborating with clients to honor their autonomy. This kind of environment helps prevent re-traumatization.

Trauma-informed recovery settings also include peers and community support. Overall, rather than merely treating substance use, this substance use support model addresses its root causes, i.e., stress and pain linked to gender-based trauma.

How Inspire Recovery Builds a Safe Substance Use Support System for Transgender People

From your first encounter with Inspire Recovery staff, you will notice that we are gender-affirming. You will work with trauma-informed therapists who honor gender identity, affirm trans experiences, and support healing without pathologizing your truth.

Inspire Recovery also integrates the community at every level. We use peer-led groups to build a sense of belonging, sustainable coping skills, and stronger recovery networks so that relapse is prevented even after the rehabilitation phase.

Get Support from Inspire Recovery

Substance use can be especially challenging for transgender individuals, but healing is absolutely possible. While some traditional treatment centers may fall short in understanding, Inspire Recovery offers LGBTQ Addiction Treatment that is stepping up with care that caters to trans people. These inclusive spaces help break down the barriers that often keep trans folks from seeking support. Call us today at 561-786-2655 to get on a safe path to recovery and lasting change.

What types of therapy work best for trans people in recovery?

Therapies that center safety, self-understanding, and affirmation tend to be most helpful for trans people in substance use recovery. Trauma-informed approaches, gender-affirming care, and therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) can support both emotional regulation and identity exploration. Group therapy with other LGBTQ+ peers also promotes healing through shared experiences. Most importantly, what works best is therapy that sees the whole person, not just their substance use, but their story, resilience, and truth.

Can I receive hormone therapy while in addiction treatment?

You can receive hormone therapy while in addiction treatment, especially at LGBTQ-affirming centers like Inspire Recovery, where your gender identity is seen, respected, and supported. Your care team will work with you to make sure your hormone regimen continues safely alongside your recovery plan. You do not have to choose between your sobriety and your identity.

Where can I get substance use support as a transgender person?

You can get substance use support as a transgender person at LGBTQ-affirming treatment centers like Inspire Recovery. These programs offer trauma-informed care, gender-affirming therapy, peer support, and LGBTQ-centered 12-step programs. Get substance use support today by calling us at 561-763-9815 for a free and confidential consultation.

Are you or is someone you know addicted to drugs?

Call Inspire Recovery today at 561-786-2655 for a free & confidential consultation.

CLICK TO CALL

WE’RE HERE TO HELP