• Our Work

    LGBT Project

Recognising the higher rates of alcohol and drug addiction in the LGBT community and how LGBT-specific provision of addiction and recovery services can be best established nationwide.

Addiction Recovery Now will explore the growing need for specialist LGBT addiction and recovery services and develop a plan for delivering the appropriate provision nationwide.  

Studies show significantly higher levels of problematic drug and alcohol use amongst the LGBT community. However, there is insufficient reliable monitoring data to understand the true scale of the problem.

Learning from current best-practice and innovative co-location models that are already operating, we will set out proposals to ensure that LGBT people in addiction get the support they need.  

Background

The true scale of addiction within the LGBT community is unclear.

The LGBT population is more likely than the general population to experience poor mental health; rates of depression, loneliness, self-harm, substance dependence, and suicide are all significantly higher among gay men than other groups.

There is no reliable monitoring data on the link between sexual orientation or gender identity and addiction. Consequently, the true scale of addiction within the LGBT community is unclear. 

LGBT people are confronted with additional barriers to drug and alcohol treatment due to varying standards of inclusivity and a lack of LGBT-oriented addiction treatment provision nationwide.  

Many LGBT people avoid health treatment altogether due to fear of judgement and a lack of confidence in healthcare providers’ understanding of LGBT health needs. 

Whilst drug and alcohol services aim to serve all, LGBT people often don’t feel able to fully disclose or explore their issues in non-specialist settings. It is crucial that LGBT people who are struggling with substance use have access to services that understand their needs and offer an emotionally safe place to heal.

Donate now

Help support our work by making a donation today

DONATE NOW