Project 2

Young adult Substance abuse lgbt community 1

Young adult Substance abuse lgbt community 7

Substance Use Among Young Adults in the LGBT community

Wright State University

Substance Use Among Young Adults in the LGBT community

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered (LGBT) community consists of those who classify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered. Within societies, especially the United States, the LGBT community is seen as a minority. Jordan (2000) stated that the LGBT community is often faced with added stress when coping with their sexual orientation in a society that is often homophobic and heterosexual. Therefore, “the origins of substance use and abuse in sexual minority teens may be linked with feeling marginalized by society, seeking relief for feelings of depression and isolation, or desiring alleviation of the chronic stress” good, but when direct quote you need page numbers (Jordan, 2000).

According to Austin and Bozick (2012) 27.5 % of lesbian/gay young adults had used hard drugs with in the past year, whereas 11.5% of heterosexuals were reported to have used hard drugs. They also found that 49.8% of lesbian/gay young adults reported marijuana use in comparison to 30.2% of heterosexuals. However, Austin and Bozick (2012) stated that there was no difference found in the frequency of binge drinking, approximately 12% of lesbian/gay and heterosexual young adults reported binge drinking 2-3 times over the course of a month.

Other studies back of the statementsupport that there is a larger percentage of young adults within the LGBT community that use substances compared to heterosexual young adults. Remafedi (1987) found that 58% of his sample of gay and bisexual youth met the criteria for substance abuse. Doward (2010) found that 33% of gay or bisexuals have used drugs with in the last year compared to the 10% of heterosexuals who have. Numerous studies back the hypothesis that young adults within the LGBT community are at a higher risk for substance use compared to heterosexual young adults.

Sexual minority stigma is expression of negative attitudes and feelings about homosexuality that have been mingled into our society (Hequembourg & Dearing, 2013). All of these negative feelings and attitudes could be embodied into one’s sense of self. Hequembourg and Dearing (2013) say that research indicates increased rates of substance use among LGBTs could possibly be a symptom of stress correlated with identity-related stigma.

There are many contributory factors to an association of an elevated risk of substance use among the LGBT community (Olson, 2000). The lengthy and trying process of self-identification is one of major contributing factors. These are also young adults that are going through this “terrifying experience” (Olson, 2000). Other contributing factors include peer rejection, fear of safety at home, school or in the community, personal rejection, and homophobic remarks. According to CODA, the Counsel on Drug Abuse (CODA), LGBT young adults lack “social acceptance” and also face bullying. LGBT young adults also do not receive approval, affection, and support they need to be able to survive the pain. The outcome of these other factors could lead to potentially dangerous behavior, including suicide. Suicide is used to withdraw from the pain that is encountered daily (CODA, 2015).

Compared to other social and political issues, the history of the LGBT community dates to the late 1960s. In 1965, rioters gathered in Philadelphia and Washington DC for the first gay rights demonstration. Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings were activists and leaders of this movement. On June 28, 1969 gay rights activists took control of the Stonewall Inn, a hotel operated by the Mafia. The Stonewall Riot, was not one that would be considered peaceful, oppositely violent demonstrations took place. By many, the Stonewall Riots are considered to be one of the most important events leading into the fight for gay rights. good

Social acceptance of the LGBT community has transformed over time. As stated by the Pew Research Center (2013), the public shows a higher acceptance rate for LGBT individuals. Today, 87% of adults state that they personally know someone who classifies themselves as someone of the LGBT community (Pew Research Center, 2013).

LGBT young adults can be treated for substance abuse and risk factors by seeking out the help of their health care provider. Health-care providers will help young adults by providing them with the materials necessary to work through difficult hurdles they may experience. They also have the ability to help set goals for good mental health and treatment plans. Community organizations such as youth groups could provide outlets for young adults dealing with substance use/abuse (CODA, 2015). Often times these youth groups put together substance abuse workshops. Also, meeting others who are facing the same issues could work as a good treatment. (yes, that is why 12-step groups work) Sharing stories, experiences, and issues they have faced will help LGBT young adults boost their self-esteem (CODA, 2015).

LGBT specialty counseling is another option when considering treatment for substance abuse. According to LGBT drug rehab (2015), in the incorrect counseling setting it may be hard to communicate feelings, information about personal lives, and other struggles. However professionals who know how to deal with LGBT issues will be able to bring another outlook on their addiction and the possible treatments. LGBT counselors also have the knowledge to be able to offer other services such as counseling to other family members, the ability to teach about healthy relationships, and provide a comfortable environment (LGBT Drug Rehab, 2015). Numerous types of treatment are at hand for young adults in the LGBT community, a custom fit plan should be implemented for each individual.

The yYoung adults within the LGBT community are faced with a higher risk of using or becoming addicted to substances compared to their peers who are heterosexual (Jordan, 2000). Yes! History shows that these communities were formed in the beginning of the nineteen-sixties and they only grew from there. The Civil Rights Movement was a factor for oppression for this community.

Aside oppression, suicide has been another major risk (CODA, 2015). LGBT young adult suicide rates are sky rocketing (Nichols, 2013). Treatment such as group therapy, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, and help from medical professionals can lead to the decrease of risk factors for substance abuse within this community. As marriage equality has become effective in the United States there is hope that the LGBT community will turn away from substance abuse and live happier lives. Comment by WSUadm: Since you are introducing a new topic, suicide, this should be new paragraph.

References Austin, E., & Bozick, R. (2012). Sexual oOrientation, pPartnership fFormation, and sSubstance uUse in the tTransition to aAdulthood. Journal oOf Youth & Adolescence, 41(2), 167-178. doi:10.1007/s10964-011-9653-7 Cabaj, R. P. (2000). Substance Abuse, Internalized Homophobia, and Gay Men and Lesbians: Psychodynamic Issues and Clinical Implications. Journal oOf Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 3(3/4), 5. Doward, J. (2010). Gay men and lesbians are putting their health at risk by abusing drugs. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/jul/25/gay-lesbians-drug-use-report DRUG ABUSE AMOUNG LGBT YOUTH. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from http://www.drugabuse.ca/drug-abuse-amoung-lgbt-youth Kerr, D. L., Ding, K., & Chaya, J. (2014). Substance Use of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Heterosexual College Students. American Journal Of Health Behavior, 38(6), 951-962. doi:10.5993/AJHB.38.6.17 LGBT Youth Suicide: As Serious As It Is Preventable. (2013, September 16). Retrieved July 20, 2015, from http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/LGBT-youth-suicide-as-serious-as-it-is-preventable-0916134 Olson, E. D. (2000). Gay Teens and Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and Treatment. Jou Hequembourg, A. L., & Dearing, R. L. (2013). Exploring Shame, Guilt, and Risky Substance Use Among Sexual Minority Men and Women. Journal Of Homosexuality, 60(4), 615-638. doi:10.1080/00918369.2013.760365rnal Of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 3(3/4), 69. The Stonewall Riot. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-stonewall-riot A Survey of LGBT Americans. (2013, June 13). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/06/13/a-survey-of-lgbt-americans/