LGBT Drug Treatment Blog

Crystal Methamphetamine also called “crystal meth”, has become a popular party drug for some members of the New York Gay Community. Accordingto city officials and Aids Activists, crystal meth has led to an increase in unprotected sex. Health Commissioner, Dr. Thomas Frieden stated that the bottom line is crystal meth is a very dangerous drug.

Experts say drug use in the city’s bath houses, where some gay men go for sexual encounters, creates an environment for the spread of AIDS because drug addicts suffer impaired judgement and go unprotected.

AIDS Activists are calling on city officials to enhance condom distribution and implement tougher regulations for condom use in bath houses. This summer, city officials plan to conduct a $300,000.00 programto create a task force aimed at crystal meth use n the gay community.

This article is from Join Together Online

Substance Abuse in the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community

Drug Addiction and alcoholism is a disease which affects the lives of up to 20 percent of the homosexual community. Further research demonstrated that around 35 percent of lesbians had a history of alcohol abuse, compared to 5 percent of heterosexual women in the same control group ( Sagir 1983 ) Research shows that approximately 30 percent of the lesbian and gay community suffer from drug addiction or alcoholism (Rofes 1983)

Why is Gay Drug Addiction and Alcoholism such a problem?

Let me first state that I do not believe that homosexuality is a direct cause of drug addiction. It is clear to me that when gays or lesbians begin internalizing some of the community’s beliefs and homophobic attitudes, the rsults can be devestating. It can lead to a life of quiet desperation, low self esteem, depression and drug addiction.

Some gays may turn to drugs and alcohol as a means reduce or eliminate their emotional pain or reduce their felings over their struggle relating to their sexual orientation. WIth all of the above information, it is easy to understand why gays are also 7 times more likely to be victims of crimes than the remainder of the population (Gay, Lesbian Taask Force ) In response, many gay men and women turn to drugs and alcohol to manage their feelings of anger, shame, alienation or depression.

If you would like additional information on drug addiction or gay drug addiction programs, I suggest you go to, www.recoveryconnection.org a national help line and source of addiction information.

Gay Detox Program Provides Safety for Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender

Some professionals working in drug rehab and addiction treatment programs would tell you that detox is detox, regardless if you are gay or straight. Every person is provided access to detox equally, is provided with a comprehensive medical examination and prescription medication to manage any symptoms associated with withdrawal. Basically, the only responsibility the patient has is to allow the prescription medication to take affect, remain in detox and all will be well. If the medical component was the only component in detox, than that statement might be correct.

The Psychological Component of Gay Detox

Another component of detox is psychological in nature. While it is true that the medical component is the primary component and we must be very concerned that proper prescription medication is dispensed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, it is extremely important that the patient feel safe and secure. It is equally important that the patient develop relationships with other patients in detox. For the gay, lesbian community this can be quite challenging in a heterosexual detox , drug rehab or addiction treatment program. When the addict or alcoholic begins to feel frightened, uncomfortable or alone their tendency is to run right back into their drug addiction or alcoholism. This dynamic is no different for the heterosexual community. For this reason, whether in detox, drug rehab or addiction treatment, the gay population tends to feel more comfortable and take better advantage of the addiction services offered in a gay rehab or gay detox.

The “pink cloud” is best described as a period of time where the addict or alcoholic experiences a reprieve from the struggles associated with early recovery. These struggles are generally associated with the feelings of depression, anger, resentment, self pity and the realization of where their drug addiction or alcoholism has taken them.

Upon experiencing this phenomenon for the first time, the addict or alcoholic is understandably excited. They begin to believe they now “hold the key” to their recovery. This is where the seed for relapse is planted. They begin to believe more in themselves, than in the process they have been following. Without the pain as a daily reminder, they tend to forget about what it took for them to embrace recovery. Denial rears its ugly head and they minimize how devastating their drug addiction and alcoholism really was and that they have a disease of drug addiction and alcoholism that requires attention on a daily basis. Relapse prevention becomes an afterthought as the person becomes defiant and rebellious regarding suggestions contrary to their desires. Without resorting to drugs or alcohol, the individual in recovery is one step away from relapse. Remember, relapse is not an event, it is a process.

Relapse Prevention versus the “Pink Cloud”

The relapse prevention plan that is designed while in addiction treatment or drug rehab is a plan for recovery when a person is feeling elated, depressed or anywhere in between… The relapse prevention plan is comprised of recognizing one’s triggers, unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors with recommendations on how to best address them. The addict and alcoholic are not used to feeling good about themselves. While most individuals would cherish high self esteem, the addict / alcoholic relishes self pity and low self worth. When there is no shame, they create it. So, when a recovering person starts feeling good about themselves, they need to work harder and practice what has been working for them. This will provide them the opportunity to break an old pattern of self sabotage and establish a new pattern of developing self worth. No matter how one is feeling, rely on the relapse prevention plan that has been developed for you.

If you need additional information on relapse prevention, alcohol treatment or relapse prevention programs refer to www.recoveryconnection.org or call 1-800-511-9225.

Most of us can atleast imagine the challenges the gay, lesbian addict or alcoholic must encounter growing up in a heterosexual world. The discrimination, prejudice and judgemental attitudes of those they come in contact with usually lead to a life built upon shame. It is no wonder drug addiction and alcoholism is so prevalent among the gay, lesbian and bisexual community. That being said, what about the challenges their heterosexual parents face. Their hopes and dreams that are built upon the belief that their children will one day experience dating and marriage as they know it and have children are shattered. In many cases, they blame themselves for being “bad” parents and play the role of the victim, while others lash out and blame their children’s choices on their drug addiction or alcoholism and call them confused.

Parents,Their Gay Children and Coming Out

Many gay people hide or deny their sexual preference during their early years and end up turning to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with their feelings. Once they enter a drug rehab or addiction treatment center for their addiction or alcoholism and enrol in the family program, they may be encouraged to be honest with their parents regarding their sexual preference. One would think parents would love and respect their children regardless of their drug addiction, any disability they may have or sexual preference. I think it is safe to say that most parents find it easier to show a child with a physical or mental handicap unconditional love, than a child whose sexual preference is outside the realm of their heterosexual world. When a parent discovers their son is gay or their daughter a lesbian for the first time, denial and anger are the initial feelings, generally followed by fear.

Relapse Prevention and “Coming Out”

Parents are people too and fear what they don’t understand. Parents worry about how their gay son’s and daughter’s choices will effect them, how people in the community will view their family, are concerned about their children, their future and on some level, may even feel threatened. With the confusion and intense feeling s that are generated by a gay addict or alcoholic “coming out”, it is reccomended that the addict or alcoholic have stable recovery from their drug addiction or alcoholism. The risk for relapse is high during this time so it is imperative that their relapse prevention plan and support system is in place. It is highly recomended, that when selecting an addiction treatment program or alcohol rehab you make sure they offer a comprehensive Family Recovery Program, approximately four days in length, complete with family education, group therapy and individual sessions. If you have trouble finding such a program, the people at Recovery Connection may prove helpful in assisting you to locate one.

Being a gay man that was in a drug rehab years ago, it was difficult. I felt like people were always judging me and tha I relly didn’t fit in. I kicked up all of my anger and shame from years of ridicule and abuse. Starting a gay addiction treatment program will make the difference in the lives of so many gay, lesbian and bisexual addicts and alcoholics seeking addiction and alcohol treatment. They will feel safer and trust quicker. A gay drug rehab is long overdue and I am glad my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters will have a place like this to go.

Gay Drug Rehab: Isn’t Drug Addiction, Drug Addiction?

Sounds like a funny question, but think about it for a moment. If we are treating drug addiction, which is a disease that knows no boundaries, is it really necessary to design a drug rehab specifically for the gay, lesbian population.

While it is true we are treating drug addiction, we are really treating the whole person. To provide quality addiction treatment, the person must be in the addiction treatment center. The idea around the design of a gay, lesbian drug rehab is to make it more comfortable for the patient to reside in the drug rehab program. The patient already feels ostrocized by the heterosexual community, facing discrimination and prejudice on a daily basis. Anyone would tend to isolate under those circumstances. When a gay or lesbian enters a drug rehab, you want them to feel accepted and safe. The best way to accomplish this is through the development of a gay drug rehab.

Is it a myth or reality, fact or fiction? The “pink cloud” is an experience common to almost everyone that seeks recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism. Early stage recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism is a period of time that is comprised of a great many challenges and feelings which are difficult to manage. The individual recovering from drug addiction or alcoholism may still be experiencing cravings, symptoms associated with withdrawal or feelings for the first time in sobriety. Each day is a series of “ups and downs, highs and lows, usually accompanied by depression, frustration, hopelessness, anger, resentment which the addict or alcoholic is accustomed to coping with through the use of drugs, alcohol or unhealthy behavioral choices.

What is the “pink cloud”?

Then comes a day, followed by a series of days or weeks, where the addict or alcoholic experiences acceptance. He or she is excited at the prospect of what recovery from addiction and alcoholism has to offer and feel as if they have grasped what it takes to maintain quality recovery. All the work they have done in their addiction treatment center and self help group has paid off and they experience a reprieve from all the difficulties that have crossed their path. This reprieve, which is actually a feeling, lasts but for a period of time and as with any feeling, comes and goes. As this feeling of excitement and acceptance passes, the risk for relapse is great as the addict or alcoholic begin to doubt the quality of their recovery. They become scared and thoughts of their drug addiction or alcoholism reappear. Addicts and alcoholics will experience this “pink cloud” phenomenon many times in recovery. As their ability to cope with feelings and situations increase and they become more committed to their relapse prevention program, the less likely relapse is to occur.

For additional information on relapse prevention, addiction treatment, drug addiction or alcoholism, please refer to www.recoveryconnection.org or call 800-511-9225.