LGBT Substance Abuse Statistics
According to numbers published by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III), those who identify as a part of the LGBTQ + community are drastically more likely to struggle with a substance use disorder than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, the survey reported that those who were unable to identify their sexual identity were as much as 5x more likely to have a substance use disorder than someone who identifies as heterosexual.
LGBT Youth Substance Abuse Statistics
Studies have found that more than ¾ of high school seniors in the U.S. have tried alcohol, almost ½ have tried marijuana, and almost ¼ have abused prescription drugs. Consider how this may factor in with the following statistics on LGBTQ teens:
- They are twice as likely to be victims of bullying, exclusion, or assault while at school
- They are 40% less likely to have a parent or adult figure in their family who they feel safe and comfortable talking to openly
- They are twice as likely to try drugs and alcohol as their heterosexual counterparts
The rates of drug use among teens are astounding enough in general, however, the first 2 statistics bulleted make the 3rd no surprise at all.
So, the question is “what can be done?”
LGBT Mental Health Resources
As discussed in a Healthline article about LGBTQ Substance Abuse issues, gay bars and clubs have long been a “safe haven” for individuals who are a part of this community. This is especially true for those who have been exiled from their families and previously close friends. However, I use the term “safe haven” loosely, because, when has a club or bar ever really been the safest place?
Being that LGBTQ teens often don’t feel that they have adults in their family they can talk to and bars full of alcohol and drugs are common places to gather, it is easy to determine that creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ community is a major starting point to addressing the mental health issues they face. From LGBT-friendly community centers to addiction treatment facilities, creating physical space and holding emotional space for these individuals can go a long way.
To explore additional resources currently available to individuals and families of the LGBTQ + community struggling with mental health and substance use disorders, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbt.