What Are LGBTQ-Specific Drug Rehab Programs?

LGBTQ-Specific Addiction Treatment Programs

Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face unique challenges when it comes to addiction and recovery. They face discrimination, rejection, trauma and co-occurring disorders at higher rates than the general public, marking a rising need for LGBTQ+ drug rehab and assistance. 

All of these can contribute to substance use disorder and make recovery more difficult, and they need to be addressed in treatment. Finding a culturally competent program that provides support and inclusion creates a safe environment where recovery is possible. 

Key Facts

• LGBTQ+ drug rehab programs are designed specifically for the needs, experiences and safety of LGBTQ+ clients.
• LGBTQ+ specific rehabs are important because people in this community often experience traumas and challenges that others can’t relate to and that may not be addressed appropriately in broad rehab programs.
• LGBTQ+ rehabs create a place where people in the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and know that they won’t face discrimination while they work toward recovery.
• There are LGBTQ+ programs at every level of care from detox to residential drug rehab to outpatient therapy, as well as sober living and aftercare.
• LGBTQ+ programs are tailored to help with co-occurring mental health conditions and traumas that are more common among people in this community.
• When choosing an LGBTQ+ program, you should look at insurance coverage and the level of care as well as factors like accreditations and qualifications, and recommendations from others in the community.

What Are LGBTQ+ Specific Drug Rehab Programs?

LGBTQ+ drug rehab programs are specialized programs for people who identify as LGBTQ+.

These programs understand that members of the community face trauma, discrimination and barriers to care that others don’t. That is why a program that addresses the specialized needs with a person centered approach to addiction is extremely important.

It’s important to note that there is a difference between LGBTQ+ specific programs and LGBTQ+ friendly programs.

LGBTQ+ specific programs have been designed for LGBTQ+ clients and include staff who have received in-depth competency training, use gender affirming and inclusive language, and have policies in place to ensure the safest, most inclusive environment for treatment.

LGBTQ+ friendly programs welcome members of the community, but are not exclusive to LGBTQ+ clients, nor are they specifically tailored to the community.

How LGBTQ+ Drug Rehab Programs Differ from Traditional Settings

In addition to receiving education on addiction, individual and group therapy and relapse prevention planning that are the foundation for most addiction programs, these programs address issues that are specific to LGBTQ+ clients. 

These include issues such as coming out, gender dysphoria, societal and family rejection, stress and violence. These are difficulties that so many women and men in the community face, and they are often contributing factors in their battle with addiction.

As well, LGBTQ+ programs acknowledge a person’s gender identity and will provide housing and bathroom arrangements based on that, rather than requiring them to follow the sex they were assigned at birth.

Why Specialized Care Matters for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Specialized care addresses the issues that members of the LGBTQ+ community face that can contribute to addiction. In a traditional drug rehab program, clients who face these issues may not have anyone else in their peer groups or among their counselors who can understand and relate to these experiences.

LGBTQ+ specific programs address these needs in a safe, accepting environment that provides the support needed for long term recovery. 

High Rates of Substance Use in LGBTQ+ Communities

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately one-third of bisexual men, bisexual women and gay men, and one-fourth of lesbians have a substance use disorder.

 The National Surveys on Drug Use and Health found that when compared to people who are heterosexual and cisgender, LGBTQ+ individuals misuse methamphetamines, marijuana, opioids and alcohol at higher rates.

Additionally, youth members of the community have higher rates of early onset experimentation with alcohol or drugs that can contribute to the development of a substance use disorder.

There are numerous potential reasons for this, including self-medicating the mental health effects of trauma and rejection with drugs and alcohol. Regardless of the reason, people in the LGBTQ+ community need safe, welcoming, and affirming places where they can get person centered treatment.

Co-Occurring Mental Health and Trauma Concerns

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD at nearly double the rate of people who are heterosexual and cisgender.

Tragically, the Trevor Project found that 39% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide, with youth of color reporting higher rates than their white peers and more than 1 in 10 have attempted suicide in the last year. Sadly, for LGBTQ+ youth, suicide is the number one cause of death.

These unfortunate trends continue in adulthood as well. NAMI reported that 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime compared with less than 5% of the general population.

These shocking statistics highlight the need for mental health care throughout the recovery process and the need for LGBTQ+ programs to adequately address the traumas that people in this community so often face.

Minority Stress, Stigma and Discrimination Drivers

Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face harassment, rejection and discrimination that result in shame, increased anxiety and depression that most others don’t have to live with.

Even outside of being mistreated, LGBTQ+ people are in the minority, which can itself lead to feelings of isolation, fear and misunderstanding. Because of these stressors, some LGBTQ+ individuals turn to substance misuse or overuse as a coping mechanism, increasing their risk of developing a substance use disorder.

When we examine the numbers, they clearly demonstrate the need for care for co-occurring disorders and integrated crisis planning as an integral part of a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.

Core Components of an LGBTQ+ Affirming Drug Rehab Program

In addition to education, therapy and counseling, life skill development, medical care and relapse prevention, an LGBTQ+ affirming program should include specialized support for LGBTQ+ clients in several ways.

Culturally Competent, Trained Staff

Having staff that recognizes the unique circumstances that members of the LGBTQ+ community face helps to provide a safe and respectful environment that builds trust, understanding and acceptance, all of which are critical pieces of a treatment plan that focuses on long term recovery and change.

In many cases, LGBTQ+ programs also aim to hire staff who are in the LGBTQ+ community so they can better relate to their clients’ experiences.

Gender Affirming and Sexual Identity Inclusive Therapy

Using and respecting a person’s chosen name and pronouns can go a long way when creating an inclusive and affirming environment within a treatment program.

When an aspect of a person’s identity is rejected or criticized, it adds to their trauma and also prevents them from feeling safe to be open in therapy, so LGBTQ+ programs ensure that this won’t happen in treatment.

Moreover, addressing the unique circumstances that members of the LGBTQ+ community face when coming out, transitioning or just trying to exist in a world where they face frequent discrimination, prejudice and even violence allows for stronger therapeutic and peer to peer relationships which lead to better treatment outcomes.

Safe Housing, Room Assignments and Facilities

A treatment program that is designed specifically for or welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community should include gender inclusive rooms or pods, where individuals are able to choose rooming assignments that align with their gender identity. 

Likewise, they should include gender neutral bathrooms, offer private bath or shower areas and have strict anti harassment policies that are taken seriously and strictly enforced. All of this helps to foster a safe and supportive environment where individuals can focus on getting better. 

Integrated HIV/PrEP and Sexual Health Services

We know that members of the LGBTQ+ community face higher rates of HIV/AIDS, especially gay and bisexual men, when compared to the general population.

For this reason, a comprehensive treatment program that focuses on or supports LGBTQ+ individuals should include on site STI testing and treatment, education on the dangers of chemsex, and initiation of PrEP/PEP. In doing this, these programs can better care for the clients’ whole-person health.

Family and “Chosen Family” Engagement

Family involvement in alcohol or substance use disorder treatment can be especially hard for LGBTQ+ individuals who have faced rejection from their biological families or loved ones. For this reason, inclusion of intimate partners, friends or sponsors plays an important role in an individualized treatment plan. 

In addition to playing a key role in long term recovery, having supportive people in their life reduces the risk of suicidality, especially among LGBTQ+ youth. Programs for LGBTQ+ communities understand and respect that their clients may be closer with their “chosen families” and can help to build supportive relationships.

What to Expect in LGBTQ+ Drug Rehab: Levels of Care and Treatment Modalities

Considering factors such as severity and duration of the addiction, need for medically supported detox or need for cooccurring disorder treatment will help to determine the proper level of care needed to take the next step towards a life in recovery.

Each person’s journey is different in rehabs for LGBTQ+ clients, but these are some of the treatments and levels of care you may encounter.

Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management

Medical detox and withdrawal management are especially important for people with addiction to alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines and certain stimulants such as methamphetamine. Individuals require close medical supervision and support to safely and effectively detox from these substances.

Because the withdrawal process can be uncomfortable and in some cases dangerous, medical professionals may assist by administering medications that ease withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings and provide comfort measures while monitoring for any complications.

The around-the-clock medical supervision allows for early intervention if complications do arise. 

Residential or Inpatient Rehab 

Residential or inpatient LGBTQ drug rehab provides 24/7 support in a structured environment that includes individual, group and experiential sessions, complementary treatments and peer support and affirmation that is especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals in treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

These programs offer intensive and structured treatment while allowing for flexibility that enables continued work or family commitments because you live at home, not on site, during treatment.

Individuals participate in one on one counseling and group therapy sessions several days or evenings per week. Along with therapy and education, LGBTQ+ individuals receive peer support and find the inclusivity and understanding that promotes a life in recovery.

Standard Outpatient and Telehealth Therapy

Standard outpatient therapy provides continued treatment for individuals who have mild to moderate addiction and a strong support system, or those who have completed a more intensive program but continue to need support or require flexibility not found in other programs.

These low intensity programs typically involve therapy sessions once a week or at whatever frequency makes sense for your sobriety, but they still have the inclusivity and attention to LGBTQ+ issues that a more intensive program would have.

Telehealth options can be beneficial for individuals who reside in areas where there are no LGBTQ+ inclusive treatment programs or providers, for individuals who want support but are closeted, or for those who don’t have reliable transportation to treatment.

This allows you to get specialized therapy within the privacy of your own home. 

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Pharmacotherapy

The use of medication assisted treatment, including buprenorphine and naltrexone, can be helpful in the early days of recovery by easing withdrawal symptoms and curbing cravings. For some, MAT is a long term supportive measure to maintain sobriety. 

There are LGBTQ+ inclusive drug rehab programs that offer these medications, usually on an outpatient basis, to help you avoid relapse while you gain the skills and growth for recovery in your therapy sessions. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, you might also receive psychiatric medications to manage those conditions.

It is important to remember that medications such as hormone replacement therapy or PrEP can have drug interactions when taken with other medications. Before starting any MAT, individuals should make sure that the clinical team at their treatment program is aware of what they’re taking.

Addressing Co Occurring Conditions

Members of the LGBTQ+ community have higher rates of co-occurring conditions when compared to the general population. Addressing both the addiction and co-occurring conditions is the most comprehensive approach to successful treatment for lifelong recovery.

Dual Diagnosis: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD

LGBTQ+ individuals facing the challenges of depression, anxiety or PTSD benefit from integrated psychiatric care that may include the use of SSRIs or mood stabilizers.

Along with talk therapies that help an individual to understand how identity, trauma and stress contribute to their addiction, a comprehensive approach to treatment will not only address the alcohol or drug use disorder but also any other mental health challenges that contribute to their addiction.

Trauma Focused and EMDR Therapies

Many members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced trauma related to discrimination, rejection and violence because of their sexual identity.

Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) is one tool that can be used to address those painful experiences and work toward processing and reframing them in a healthier, less traumatic way. 

Another beneficial approach to trauma healing is through somatic techniques such as breathwork, mindfulness, grounding, body awareness work, resourcing, titration and pendulation. With any of these or EMDR, healing the trauma can help to prevent an individual from self medicating their pain away with drugs and alcohol.

Eating Disorder and Body Image Support

Body neutrality work is another important component of a comprehensive approach to treatment for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

Often, they face body dysmorphic concerns that are compounded by social media and other societal factors. Helping individuals to love and accept themselves is a vital tool to support long term recovery.

LGBTQ+ individuals with eating disorders may need nutritional rehab as well as emotional healing. This is especially true for those on hormone replacement therapy, as there are metabolic shifts that can occur with these medications.

This can contribute to substance use. Reversing nutritional deficits or dehydration and combating unhealthy eating habits are key to improving health and body image.

Hormone Therapy and Medical Transition Considerations

Individuals who are taking hormone replacement therapy can usually continue on their medications during treatment. Consulting endocrinologists or other medical specialists can work with the treatment facility to coordinate continued care.

Aftercare, Sober Support and Community Resources

The work doesn’t stop after completing a treatment program. Most individuals continue to need support that focuses on relapse prevention. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this support may include help with housing, employment, transportation or food insecurity. 

LGBTQ+ Friendly Sober Living Homes and Recovery Housing

For some, leaving a treatment program and trying to reintegrate into society and independent living can be stressful and presents a risk for relapse.

A sober living home or recovery housing may be a good option for individuals who continue to need support during this critical time. An LGBTQ+ specific or LGBTQ+ friendly program ensures safety and inclusiveness and offers policies that protect their clients from identity based harassment.

Peer and Alumni Networks

Peer and alumni networks that are LGBTQ+ focused provide a place to continue healing after the completion of a treatment program.

These focused groups, such as LGBTQ+ specific 12 step meetings or SMART programs, provide inclusive support for LGBTQ+ individuals that help to prevent isolation, build community and allow a space where topics such as coming out, transitioning or relationships can be discussed freely in a non judgemental environment.

Online Support Apps 

LGBTQ+ specific online apps for recovery can be another way to find support after completing a treatment program.

These include geofenced safe spaces that ensure confidentiality or telephone or crisis lines such as the Trevor Project’s crisis line, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Trans Lifeline, SAGE LGBTQ Elder hotline, or specific websites run by LGBTQ+ supporting organizations. 

These advocacy organizations include the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG or Family Equality. They provide 24/7 support, a place to develop peer connections, and wellness check ins that are additional tools to support the recovery journey.

Building Affirming Life Skills and a Support System

Members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique challenges related to discrimination or rejection in their personal, work and educational lives. Building healthy coping skills and boundaries should be a part of a relapse prevention plan. Some aftercare programs or recovery housing environments may offer ways to develop these skills.

How to Choose an LGBTQ+ Friendly Drug Rehab Center

Finding the right rehab center is a vital step toward recovery, and this is especially true for members of the LGBTQ+ community. There are several things you can look for to see if a treatment center is the right fit for you, in addition to looking for LGBTQ+ programs and identifying the level of care you need.

Accreditation, Licensing and Staff Credentials

Something to consider before choosing a treatment facility is the quality of care they provide.

Facilities that are accredited by organizations such as The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) meet some of the highest treatment standards.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community can also look for queer competency certification which means the treatment center has demonstrated a strong understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, laws and protections and are equipped to provide inclusive and affirming services.

Finally, make sure that the addiction physicians providing care at the facility are board certified. Other staff including addiction counselors, nurses and support staff should have a thorough knowledge of trauma informed care.

Questions to Ask Prospective Facilities

As you consider your options for treatment centers, there are a few key questions you can ask to find out if an LGBTQ+ program is right for you.

If you’re trans or nonbinary, you might ask, “How are room assignments handled for trans clients?” Make sure that they’re able to provide you with accommodations where you’ll feel comfortable and aren’t at risk for discrimination.

It can also be helpful to ask, “What ongoing DEI training does your staff complete?” Make sure that the treatment center is being proactive in ensuring that their staff are culturally sensitive to all clients, maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment that respects everyone’s identities and cultures, and provides equitable experiences for everyone in the program.

Insurance, Scholarships and Sliding Scale Options

Cost is always a consideration for rehab, so it’s important to understand the financial aspects of each program option you have. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), substance abuse treatment is considered one of the ten essential health benefits.

This means that most insurance providers are required to cover substance abuse treatment. It is important to remember that some policies are exempt from this mandate, so be sure to find out what your insurance will cover before starting treatment.

As well, under Section 1557 of the ACA, discrimination based on sexual orientation in healthcare settings is prohibited. Any individual that is denied care due to sexual orientation has grounds for complaint and should contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights.

In some cases, a facility can cover the cost of your treatment through scholarships that are supported by outside funds. Consideration for receiving these scholarships is usually based on several factors including income, family size, disability status and employment.

The goal for many treatment centers is that cost of services or lack of insurance coverage should never be an obstacle to care. For this reason many facilities offer a sliding scale fee plan that is based on financial need for those who qualify.

Every program is different so it is important to speak with a customer service representative at the facility before starting a program.

Location, Privacy and Safety Factors

Because of discrimination concerns, it’s natural that you want to find a rehab where you can feel safe while also maintaining your privacy. These factors along with location can play a part in your decision.

There are LGBTQ+ specific or friendly facilities located throughout the country, this includes some in rural or urban areas, in the mountains or close to a beach.

Some offer access to outdoor activities and other activities that take advantage of a secluded and peaceful environment. Depending on your preference, there are options that meet your needs.

LGBTQ+ specific programs are aware that people within the community have faced trauma or violence based on their sexual orientation or identity and they take safety seriously.

For this reason, most facilities have strict safety protocols that protect individuals from hate based threats, have security and surveillance systems in place, and often have security on site.

As well, protection of privacy can be a consideration when deciding if a program is right for you. Under HIPAA, any violation of a patient’s privacy is illegal and carries some significant fines, loss of licensure and even prosecution. For this reason, patient privacy is taken very seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ+ Rehab Programs

Find Treatment Near You

If you’re not sure where to start, use our directory at Rehab.com which helps you to locate a facility and filter based on your needs such as location, level of care, insurance and special programs including those that are LGBTQ+ specific or LGBTQ+ friendly.

You can also call the phone number below to receive immediate and personalized assistance. A future without the burden of addiction is possible, so take that first step and make the call!

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