Why Attend an LGBTQ+ Specialized Program in Las Vegas

Battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol is already a challenge. Couple that with battling discrimination based on your sexual orientation, and life may feel overwhelming. Struggling with a disease such as addiction doesn’t have to be a struggle that you have alone. Help is available.

At Desert Hope Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers’ facility, we offer a specialized treatment program for those in the LGBTQ+ community who struggle with drug or alcohol misuse. We know how important it is to receive exceptional care, under licensed physicians, and at accredited facilities. And what’s of equal importance is that your treatment program fits your needs because it’s tailored to do so.

Addiction is an ongoing disorder that leaves long-lasting modifications in the brain, involves a compulsive need to seek out drugs, and involves the continuous use of drugs regardless of consequences.

And when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, the use of alcohol or drugs may be a response to a life faced with violence, continuous discrimination, and homophobic attitudes. These same challenges are what may contribute to a negative impact on relationships, financial stability, mental health, and even one’s physical well-being.

It’s for these reasons that a specialized program such as the one tailored to the LGBTQ+ community at Desert Hope Treatment Center is needed. The obstacles facing this particular community are not the same as the obstacles facing everyone else.

There are rehabs that claim to have treatment programs for the LGBTQ+ community, but they often turn out to be the same treatment programs that resemble those in the general population. As of now, there are only 7.4% out of the 70.8% of these treatment programs making this claim that actually do provide rehab services specific to the LGBTQ+ community.

Rehab is about achieving long-term sobriety. This may be best achieved when the individual feels supported, understood, and cared for. Approaching those in the LGBTQ+ community who  happen to be battling with substance misuse requires an empathetic approach by trained professionals.

The sexual minority have higher rates of substance use when compared to heterosexual adults, according to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health done in 2018. In this specific instance, “sexual minority” is in reference to gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals.

LGBTQ+ statistics to keep in mind:

• 9% of sexual minority adults (18 and over) abused opioids within the last year (2015) compared to 3.8% of the broad adult population.
• 1% of sexual minority adults had a substance use disorder (with illicit drugs) or an alcohol use disorder in the last year compared to 7.8% of heterosexual adults in 2015.
• 6% of sexual minority adults (18 and over) reported marijuana use within the last year (2015) compared to 16.2% of the broad population.

What can we gather about these facts? The specialized program at Desert Hope Treatment Center is a wonderful opportunity to help those in the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with drug and/or alcohol misuse. You don’t have to struggle alone. We’re here to help. We’re here to support you on your journey towards recovery.