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 solely 5% of the heterosexual women in the sample (Saghir, 1970; Lewis, 1982). Approximately 30% of lesbians and gay men are smitten by medication (Rofes, 1983). The facts show that the homosexual community constitutes a high-risk population with regard to alcoholism, drug addiction and twin diagnosis.
Why is drug addiction and alcohol addiction such a downside?It is necessary 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 can be devastating. Society's hatred becomes self-hatred. As a minority group; gays, lesbians and bisexuals are victims of systemic and ongoing oppression. It will lead to feelings of alienation, despair, low shallowness, self-damaging 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 sentiments of being completely different, to alleviate emotional pain or to reduce inhibitions concerning their sexual feelings. Drug abuse or alcohol abuse usually begins in early adolescence when youth initial begin to struggle with their sexual orientation. When surrounded by messages telling you're wrong and sick for who you are, eventually you begin to believe it. Having to hide your identity and cater to homophobic comments and attitudes- typically created by unknowing friends and family -- will have a profound result on you. Lesbians and gay men are 7 times additional possible to be the victims of crimes than the common citizen (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1984). In response to the current overwhelming oppression and homophobia, several lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals use alcohol and medication to cope.
Homophobia in our society has limited the opportunities for gays and lesbians to satisfy every alternative safely. The gay bar culture emerged as an area to seek out alternative gays and lesbians without worry of harassment. The gay bar is a seductive institution. It is the most available place where folks will explore being gay and socialize. There is conjointly a scarcity of alternative alcohol-free places and occasions to socialize among the gay community. This solely intensifies the implied connection 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 parts where a gay or lesbian can expect to receive addiction treatment in a safe, gay friendly environment.
Suicide
A lot of gays and lesbians have considered suicide an possibility than heterosexuals (Bell & Weinberg, 1978). Lesbian and gay youth are two to six times more seemingly to attempt suicide than alternative youth, and could account for 30% of all completed suicides among teens, although they account for only regarding 10% of teens (Cook, 1991). This together with a high incidence of drug use and alcohol abuse, would lead one to believe that twin diagnosis within the gay community is on top of that of the heterosexual community. If you're wanting for alcohol rehab or a gay friendly addiction treatment program, you'll call Recovery Association, a national referral helpline, at 1-800-511-9225.
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Stephen Wells 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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