Being a member of the LGBTQ community means having twice the risk of developing a substance abuse problem. On the flipside, LGBT friendly rehab centers aren’t all that easy to find. Many opt to undergo treatment at a facility without specialization – with mixed results. Here’s what to look for in a Florida addiction recovery center with LGBTQ-centric curriculum options.
LGBT Friendly Rehab Centers Assist with Real-World Stressors
Belonging to the sexual minority comes with a host of stressors. You experience discrimination. Many face alienation from loved ones – including parents. Few are able to find healthy coping routines for the onslaught of abuse, trauma, and stigma.
LGBTQ addiction recovery must deal with these issues. It’s not enough to discuss generic stress resolution options. Most importantly, it’s insufficient to undergo generalized trauma treatment. Doing so is a bit like living someone else’s rehab.
In contrast, rehab facilities with a robust LGBTQ curriculum face the issues head-on. You work with therapists and peers who understand your unique needs. Besides that, others can identify with the struggles you encountered. Therefore, community-driven support and healing are tremendously useful.
Which Therapeutic Interventions Work Well?
The best LGBT friendly rehab centers offer a variety of modalities to support healing. Examples of options include the following:
- Self-identified gender housing at residential treatment and transitional living facilities
- LGBTQ teen and young adult care options that focus on helping the 16 to 25 demographic heal
- Distinctive gender-specific group therapy for lesbian women and gay men
- Cognitive behavioral therapy as a way to identify self-destructive patterns and replace them with healthy stressor responses
- Dual diagnosis treatment for program participants with underlying psychiatric disorders such as depression
It’s vital to factor in healthcare needs of this demographic as well. For example, transgender participants may be undergoing hormone treatments. If a facility uses medication-assisted treatment, a specialist must ensure that prescriptions don’t interfere with one another. Some individuals also require support for HIV and associated conditions.
As you search for the gay friendly addiction recovery South Florida trusts, don’t be afraid to ask questions. For example, how does the facility handle relapse prevention training? You face additional challenges due to the easy availability of drugs in the gay community. Most importantly, there’s significant peer pressure to use.
Another aspect to uncover is the involvement of LGBTQ alumni. Most rehab facilities offer engagement opportunities for program graduates. Some feature LGBTQ peer groups that function as support systems after treatment. These types of setups are crucial for staying sober and achieving lifelong abstinence.
Today’s the Day to Make a Change
It’s easy to say that the volume of choices overwhelms you. But don’t wait until tomorrow to look for LGBT friendly rehab centers. Substance abuse doesn’t get better by itself. Make today the day that you call the facility, ask questions, and book your room.