LGBTQ Patients Find Substance Abuse and Mental Health Support at The Source in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL - The Source, an addiction treatment center located in Fort Lauderdale, FL is an ally providing LGBTQ individuals effective treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

People who identify as LGBTQ have long battled with higher rates of addiction and mental health conditions compared to the population as a whole. It is estimated that 20 to 30% of LGBTQ individuals are struggling with a substance use disorder, as compared to 9% of the overall population. Discrimination and stigma can cause trauma and daily struggles for LGBTQ people. Members of this community also face disparities in healthcare, including addiction and mental illness treatment.

A recent Gallup poll of 340,000 people found that 4.5% of the United States population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. The higher rate of substance abuse and mental illness in this population is largely rooted in the discrimination, stigma, and even abuse that many face. People trying to cope with these kinds of painful experiences frequently develop mental health issues as a result and sometimes try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

A study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that substance abuse patterns reported by LGBTQ were higher than those reported by heterosexual adults. More than a third (37.6%) of LGBTQ adults reported marijuana use in the past year, compared to 16.2% by the overall population. The use of other illicit drugs and prescription drug misuse were also higher in the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ individuals also enter addiction treatment with more severe substance use disorders (SUDs).

In one study, addiction treatment programs that included specialized groups for gay and bisexual men showed better outcomes for those clients. But one study found that only 7.4% of programs offered specialized services for LGBTQ. According to current research, treatment geared toward LGBTQ should include addressing the unique struggles that the community faces including homophobia/transphobia, family problems, violence, and social isolation. Treatment should also focus on treating co-occurring disorders because they are so prevalent among LGBTQ people seeking treatment.

The Source treatment center offers an inclusive environment and treats every person who enters as family. As part of The Source family, patients are welcomed with zero judgment and total acceptance, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Source understands that trauma is the underlying cause of the majority of substance use disorders and that healing trauma and mental illness is key for long-term recovery. In this compassionate and unconditionally loving atmosphere, The Source provides effective treatment for the kind of intense trauma that many LGBTQ people have endured.

To learn more about LGBTQ-friendly rehab, call The Source at (800) 204-0418. Calls are answered directly by members of The Source team who are dedicated to helping each and every person who reaches out for help find the quality treatment they need.