In 2001, the U.S. Government released a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) report calling for a comprehensive approach to treating the drug and alcohol addiction needs of the LGBT community. Compared to the general population, members of this specific community are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, have higher levels of substance abuse, were less likely to abstain from drug and alcohol use and are more likely to continue use substances later into life.
The social stressors experienced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community have a profound impact on its members’ alcohol and drug abuse. In addition to substance abuse, this community may also struggle with mental health issues stemming from events such as trauma, discrimination and sexual health. Environmental and psychological issues must be addressed in a gay drug rehab for LGBT individuals to decrease risk for continued substance abuse.
Many times, destructive behaviors have a direct effect on sexual health, and drug or alcohol abuse are seen as ways to escape feelings of shame and guilt about sexual pleasure, decrease inhibitions, enhance sexual pleasure, or avoid or numb sexual urges, needs and/or feelings. An understanding of these unique issues facing LGBT individuals entering a gay treatment program is crucial for the elimination of substance abuse.

Our LGBT addiction treatment program will address underlying issues that have contributed to substance abuse and tailor a relapse prevention program to fit your needs. Positive self-identification, integration and acceptance, depression and anxiety and sexual health are among some of the issues covered in the Freedom Rings program. Patients in the Freedom Rings program receive 8 hours of direct clinical services per day, seven days a week.
Lakeview Health Systems’ staff teaches you how to cope and eliminate self-destructive behaviors by providing you with tools for recovery and freedom from substance abuse.
Lakeview Health Systems’ Freedom Rings is the winner of the Best Practices Award in the State of Florida, offering a specialized gay addiction treatment program. In the program, a trained addiction therapist will be able to validate the addict’s feelings, find a way to understand the addict and recognize that coming out is a life-long process.
Research and experience help us offer optimal care while addressing issues related to heterosexism, homophobia, trauma, prejudice, discrimination and sexual health that are inextricably tied to drug and alcohol use. Upon discharge from gay friendly addiction treatment, patients will be equipped to reenter their communities with healthier coping skills to decrease risk of relapse. Lakeview Health Systems’ staff offers support and sensitivity to each individual that enters treatment, understanding the enormous amount of courage it takes to ask for help.


