LGBT Drug Treatment Blog

It’s difficult to be gay in a straight world, so it’s no wonder that so many individuals who deem themselves to be gay or are uncertain about their sexuality search for drug rehabs that offer gay and lesbian therapy.

Great care should be taken in locating an addiction treatment center who specializes in gay therapy.  Beware of a drug rehab who may attempt to “cure” or even “convert” you.   Those addiction treatment centers have their own agenda. Also be sure that your chosen drug rehab is well-versed on issues confronting the gay community and isn’t afraid to talk about sexual issues.  It’s best to contact local or regional organizations concerned with gay issues to find a reputable drug rehab program for your needs. Drug addiction treatment for the gay and lesbian population should consist of a number of factors and how you’re counseled may depend on where you stand as far as accepting your sexuality.

Most gay friendly drug rehabs rely on the widely-accepted six stages of homosexuality: 1) identity awareness – feelings that you are different from others or from what you’ve been taught; 2) identity comparison – not understanding why your feelings are different from those of your parents, friends, siblings, etc; 3) identity tolerance – rebelling against homosexual feelings; 4) identity acceptance – embracing your sexuality and what goes with it; 5) identity pride – anger toward parents, society, religion or others who refuse to accept your homosexuality; and 6) identity synthesis – when homosexuality becomes a part of who you are, not the defining factor for your life.

The therapists should also be prepared and able to discuss and treat mood disorders, not unlike those of the heterosexual population, including depression, anxiety, stress, and sexual issues.  Statistics show that the rate of depression is much higher among the homosexual population and that thoughts of suicide are not uncommon. Gay and lesbian therapy can also assist clients in “coming out” to friends, family, and co-workers and deal with the emotional and practical questions and challenges that arise at that time.  Therapists will also attempt to eliminate feelings of fear and being alone and teach clients how to develop healthy homosexual relationships.

To locate a gay friendly drug rehab you can call the addiction treatment helpline at 1-800-511-9225.