For many gay men, we struggle with minority stress and discrimination on a daily basis. Along with childhood trauma and gay shame, this adversity causes some to turn to alcohol as a form of self-medicating. In fact, the rate of substance abuse is estimated to be between 20 to 30 percent in LGBTQ+ people compared to 9 percent for the general population.
In this episode, we’re taking a look at why members of the LGBQT+ community are more likely to be impacted by alcoholism and how to seek out LGBTQ+-friendly treatment.
Additional Resources:
- Gay and Bisexual Men's Health: Substance Abuse
- Why Do Gay Men Sometimes Struggle with Substance Abuse?
- Gay and Alcoholic: Epidemiologic and Clinical Issues
- The Influence of Gender and Sexual Orientation on Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems
- LGBTQ Alcoholism
- 17. Mobsters & Mos: How the Mafia Owned Gay Nightlife
- 26. Gay & Anxious
- LGBTQ & Gay-Friendly Rehabs: Statistics, Risk Factors & Treatment