Gay Drug Rehab & LGBT Addiction Treatment

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.
 

Seeking Help at a LGBT Friendly Rehab

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.

Issues resolved in gay treatment:

• Isolation
• Shame and secrecy
• Discomfort in one’s "own skin"
• Social prejudice and discrimination
• Rejection from family, friends and/or work colleagues
• Destructive behaviors
   

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.

Freedom Rings: A Gay Drug Rehab Program

Honesty is a key factor in addiction treatment. The LGBT individual has learned to keep secrets regarding sexuality, which transfers into secrecy in addiction. Entering a gay treatment program for substance abuse is the first step to being honest with yourself and Lakeview Health Systems staff understands the courage that takes. Our Freedom Rings programs are specifically structured and individualized to meet the needs of each individual.

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.

Our LGBT program includes:

• Doctors, nurses and therapists specifically trained to treat the LGBT community
• Medical and clinical assessments evaluating underlying issues, environmental issues, mental health issues, sexual health and addiction
• Continuity of care from inpatient detox, to inpatient drug rehab, to residential rehab, to aftercare planning.
• Individual and Group Therapy utilizing specific modalities for the LGBT community
• Relapse prevention planning
• Educational lectures
• Family and couples counseling addressing addiction issues
• Licensed nutritionists that manage dietary needs.
   

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.

Benefits of Gay Rehab

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.