Drug abuse, especially opioids, is a culture-wide problem. It is estimated that about130 people die daily in the US due to opioid overdose. While this statistic alone doesn’t capture the totality of of all substances use, it demonstrates the depths of the substance abuse crisis around the country. Sexual minorities, such asLGBTQpeople, are often at higher risk for substance abuse issues, making these groups particularly vulnerable.

Why Are LGBTQ People Impacted More Frequently?

This is a hard, and complex, question to answer. The truth is that there hasn’t been a great deal of research on queer people and substance use. There is a significant knowledge gap for people who live at the intersections of being active drug abusers and sexual minorities. Transgender people are often left out of current research as well (which is why you’ll see the acronym LGBQ throughout this piece at times). We still have a lot to learn about how substance use issues show up in these communities.We do, however, know that many LGBQ people regularly face discrimination and societal isolation. The lived experiences of queer people may account for increased,and more severe, substance abuse among these groups.In many states, it is still legal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity for employment, housing, and healthcare.Currently, more than half of the United States does not offer explicit prohibitions on discrimination in these areas for LGBTQ people. Current local and federal cases are addressing these issues as we speak. However, this means that many queer folks are facing (or at risk of facing) horrendous life circumstances on a daily basis. Major life stressors, such as discrimination, increase the use of substances.

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help.Looking for a LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist? Find an experienced therapistLearn more

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help.Looking for a LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist? Find an experienced therapist

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help.

Looking for a LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist? Find an experienced therapist

Learn more

What Do the Stats Say?

The stats around substance abuse in LGBQ populations reveal some staggering truths about the mental health of queer people in the United States. According to the2015 National Survey of Drug Use and Health:

Addressing Substance Abuse Issues in Queer Communities

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