Drug Addiction, Alcoholism and Twin Diagnosis in the Gay and Lesbian Community Alcoholism and drug addiction could be a fatal chronic illness affecting the lives of 20 to thirty% of the gay population (Ziebold ; Mongeon, 1982). Studies have found that 35% of lesbians had a history of excessive drinking, compared to only 5% of the heterosexual women in the sample (Saghir, 1970; Lewis, 1982). Approximately thirty% of lesbians and gay men are dependent on medicine (Rofes, 1983). The facts show that the homosexual community constitutes a high-risk population regarding alcoholism, drug addiction and twin diagnosis.
Why is drug addiction and alcohol addiction such a problem?It's vital not to assume that homosexuality causes gay drug rehabor gay alcohol addiction. When gays, lesbians and bisexuals internalize society's homophobic attitudes and beliefs, the results will be devastating. Society's hatred becomes self-hatred. As a minority cluster; gays, lesbians and bisexuals are victims of systemic and ongoing oppression. It can result in feelings of alienation, despair, low self-esteem, self-harmful behaviour, and drug addiction (Nicoloff & Stiglitz, 1987). Some gays, lesbians and bisexuals resort to drug abuse or alcohol abuse as a means to numb the emotions of being completely different, to alleviate emotional pain or to reduce inhibitions about their sexual feelings. Drug abuse or alcohol abuse typically begins in early adolescence when youth first begin to struggle with their sexual orientation. When surrounded by messages telling you are wrong and sick for who you're, eventually you begin to believe it. Having to cover your identity and house homophobic comments and attitudes- typically created by unknowing friends and family -- can have a profound effect on you. Lesbians and gay men also are 7 times additional seemingly to be the victims of crimes than the typical citizen (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1984). In response to the present overwhelming oppression and homophobia, many lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals use alcohol and medicine to cope.
Homophobia in our society has restricted the opportunities for gays and lesbians to fulfill each alternative safely. The gay bar culture emerged as a place to find alternative gays and lesbians without fear of harassment. The gay bar is a seductive institution. It's the most on the market place where people can explore being gay and socialize. There is additionally a lack of alternative alcohol-free places and occasions to socialize among the gay community. This only intensifies the implied affiliation between drinking and socializing in gay and lesbian social circles.
For those gay addicts or gay alcoholics seeking drug rehab or alcohol rehab, there are gay drug rehabs, gay alcohol rehabs or drug rehabs with gay addiction treatment components where a gay or lesbian can expect to receive addiction treatment in an exceedingly safe, gay friendly environment.
Suicide
Additional gays and lesbians have thought-about suicide an possibility than heterosexuals (Bell & Weinberg, 1978). Lesbian and gay youth are a pair of to six times a lot of seemingly to aim suicide than other youth, and might account for thirty% of all completed suicides among teens, although they account for only concerning 10% of teens (Cook, 1991). This along side a high incidence of drug use and alcohol abuse, would lead one to believe that twin diagnosis within the gay community is above that of the heterosexual community. If you are looking for alcohol rehab or a gay friendly addiction treatment program, you'll be able to call Recovery Affiliation, a national referral helpline, at 1-800-511-9225.
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Doris Hill has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Gay Lesbian, you can also check out his latest website about:
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