Addiction can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and environmental influences. A person’s experiences can play an important role in the development of addiction. This includes the people, places, and things that we come into contact with throughout our lives.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community can be subjected to more episodes of inequality, abuse, and rejection than people within other sectors of society. As a result of this, there is a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. A report by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) states that, in comparison to the general population, the LGBT community is more likely to use alcohol and drugs and have higher rates of substance abuse.
Historically, many studies have categorized findings related to a sexual minority (LGB – lesbian, gay, and bisexual) and compared them with a sexual majority (heterosexual). More recent studies are using the abbreviation LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQIA+). This more inclusive term incorporates all sexual identities and genders. These include, but are not limited to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, gender fluid, non-binary, and allies.
Read more here about LGBTQ+ Addiction Resource Guide…
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