Is Substance Abuse More Prevalent in Gay Couples?

Recent studies have revealed that the rate of substance abuse is higher in gay couples and transgender individuals. Alcohol abuse is much higher in these communities than in the general population, as well as the use of tobacco-based products. Gay men are also more likely to use heroin and amphetamines than heterosexual men. But what exactly are the causes of increased substance abuse in these communities and what can be done to decrease these risks?

Risk Factors According To The Scientists

Both the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) list several factors that are associated with the increased probability of substance abuse in gay alcoholics and other marginalized sexual orientation communities. These include:

•  Early exposure to substances by parents or family members
•  Genetic influences
•  Spending time with individuals who regularly use drugs/alcohol
•  Being diagnosed with a mental health disorder
•  Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

Although these factors do increase the risk across the board for both heterosexual as well as gay and transgender individuals, the latter group has additional risk factors that increase that probability even more that heterosexual people do not experience.

Increased Stress

This kind of stress is known as minority stress: the stress experienced by individuals who are members of marginalized social groups. Minority stress can be the result of a variety of situations that a person might experience throughout the day that can make life difficult:

• Workplace discrimination: this is still an issue in the United States, with a large percentage of gay men experiencing perceived discrimination in the workplace. Individuals are unable to function at work daily and they turn to drugs and alcohol to help them cope.
• Discrimination in healthcare: although this is more subtle, gay men are more likely to be without healthcare coverage. This is exacerbated when there are still issues about healthcare benefits when it comes to the partners of a gay individual.
• Issues of acceptance: gay marriage continues to be an issue, where individuals are still denied the right to marry.
• Discrimination in housing: finding living quarters that accept gay couples can be a hurdle, causing them to turn to accommodations that may be less safe and secure.

This discrimination is pervasive in almost every area of a person’s life, so to endure every day, no matter where they go, can take a toll on one’s mental health.

Cultural Competency in The Healthcare System

Gay and transgender individuals can feel hesitant about utilizing healthcare services that can help them identify and treat their substance abuse issues. This is because they’ve had experience with healthcare providers who are unaware of the specific needs of their marginalized group, or who are outright hostile or discriminatory.

Understanding Substance Abuse in Gay Couples: Debunking Stereotypes

Overall, there are negative expectations of the healthcare systems when it comes to the gay and transgender community. As a result, the individuals in these groups can delay or even completely ignore looking for treatment for their substance abuse problems. This is a need for a change in the systems overall in hopes that more gay and transgender people will come forward and seek the help and intervention that they deserve.