What It Means to Be an LGBTQ-Friendly Rehab
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
The LGBTQ community faces unique challenges in drug addiction and recovery from a substance use disorder. Therefore, it is vital to choose an LGBTQ-friendly rehab when seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. LGBTQ treatment centers offer compassionate care and dedicated staff that understand the specific set of hurdles you are facing. Reach out to our medical professionals online or call 877.920.6583 today to discuss how our Boston LGBTQ center could provide outpatient treatment programs for you.
The Unique Challenges of LGBTQ Individuals In Rehab
Members of the LGBTQ community already face a unique set of circumstances and challenges. The same is true of their use of drugs, addiction, and seeking help in recovery. It can be a challenge to find and receive treatment for addiction, even at established treatment centers. Some of these barriers can include:
- Discrimination
- Social stigma
- Fear
- Ignorance
Because prejudice against the LGBTQ community unfortunately still exists, it can be difficult for some individuals to find the rehab and treatment they need and deserve. Some Boston rehab centers may not have the appropriate training to cater to the LGBTQ community. The staff may not be sensitive enough to understand the specific battles LGBTQ people face in life and recovery. Thankfully, there is a Boston LGBTQ center at Greater Boston Addiction Center where you can be treated for your substance dependency while also being treated with kindness and dignity.
Historically, transgender people have been reluctant to enroll in health coverage plans because the plans exclude some health services, like hormone therapy and surgical procedures. They may also have to face limited access to preventative gender-specific services such as Pap tests or mammograms. Intolerance and discrimination form high barriers to substance abuse prevention and treatment in the LGBTQ community.
These walls of ignorance reduce exposure to healthy role models and reduce access to many of the substance abuse resources and support services that exist today. These artificial and dangerous obstacles contribute to the alienation of LGBTQ people, which can increase the risk of substance abuse or mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
It is crucial then that you choose an LGBTQ treatment center to rehab your alcohol or drug addiction. Our Boston LGBTQ center offers specialized programs designed to be LGBTQ-friendly to meet the unique treatment needs of the community.
The Struggle of LGBTQ Individuals In Rehab
Finding Boston rehab centers that respect who you are is essential to enjoying a full recovery from your addiction, avoiding relapse, and building a support network to foster a lifetime of sobriety. This is because LGBTQ individuals who are in therapy report feeling:
- Lonely
- Anxious
- Angry
- Fearful
- Depressed
- Distrustful
Sadly, even without substance use disorders, members of the LGBTQ community are already more likely to be ostracized from society and within their families. These negative experiences increase the risk of suffering mental health issues. And that can lead to substance use and addiction.
What It Means to Be an LGBTQ-Friendly Rehab
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, our LGBTQ treatment center staff is compassionate and inclusive. You will get professional medical help that does not discriminate in a setting that is safe and welcoming. The comforting environment inside our Boston LGBTQ center will foster personal growth and long-term sobriety by addressing your specific challenges and teaching essential life skills to cope, avoid triggers, prevent relapse. We will help you construct a strong, stable support network of like-minded peers who understand what you have gone through and support you in your recovery.
Additionally, LGBTQ individuals often suffer from higher rates of mental health disorders and accompanying substance abuse disorders than the general population because of discrimination and prejudice. A dual diagnosis may be necessary to identify co-occurring disorders that contribute to your mental health or drug use disorder. A holistic treatment approach that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of addiction and mental health will help you attain and enjoy a life of recovery.
What Happens in LGBTQ Drug Rehab Treatment?
Drug rehab involves a variety of different types of treatment and approaches that are designed to help you get clean and stay sober. One of the primary goals of drug rehab is to rid your body of toxins, such as drugs and alcohol. When this process is complete, you can return to a healthy state physically and emotionally. In addition, drug rehab also seeks to address the underlying causes of addiction and help you understand how to avoid future drug use.
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, our drug rehab program is based on the 12-step model that has been used successfully for many years. This approach incorporates a variety of therapeutic methods, such as individual counseling and group therapy sessions. These therapies help you regain control over your life and overcome your addiction. In addition, we offer both inpatient and outpatient programs, so that we can provide the level of care that’s right for you, whether you need a short-term program to help you through detox or longer-term treatment to address your addiction.
Learn More at Greater Boston Addiction Centers
If you are ready to get clean, our LGBTQ treatment centers can be the starting point. You can create a fuller, happier life for yourself in rehab. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 877.920.6583 today.
Live Sober
Live Connected
Greater Boston Addiction Centers
Rehab Blog