Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ often face unique issues when searching for a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges not encountered by people who identify as heterosexual.” Newport Beach Recovery Center is an inclusive rehabilitation facility that offers compassionate care and personalized treatment for people who identify as male, female, or nonbinary.

Residential Treatment for LGBTQIA+ 

Many people require higher levels of care during detox and withdrawal. Residential (RTC) and partial hospitalization (PHP) treatment programs provide some of the most extensive service coverage. Individuals who do not feel safe or confident in their ability to stay at home or in a sober living community during rehabilitation can benefit from the structured treatment plans offered by residential facilities. However, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ may feel uncertain about staying with a group of strangers. 

Some of the top concerns experienced by LGBTQIA+ folks include: 

• The willingness of peers and staff to acknowledge and respect identity, pronouns, or orientation 
• Not having a supportive family to care for children and pets during treatment
• Uncertainty about talking to a therapist about topics related to identity
• Fear of being physically, verbally, or emotionally harassed 
• Feeling isolated if no other LGBTQIA+ peers participate in the program 
• Uncertainty about what treatment options to choose (e.g., which groups to join during gender-focused group therapy) 
• Confidentiality for individuals who have not disclosed their identity to family, friends, or coworkers 
• Aftercare housing arrangements if they choose to transition into a sober living community 

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ may require special accommodations and might worry about being judged. Newport Beach Recovery Center is an inclusive environment that encourages peer support and diversity. We understand the uncertainty some people feel when they start residential treatment. However, our dedicated team goes the extra mile to ensure every client feels at home in our facility. LGBTQIA+ individuals will have a whole team working around the clock to ensure they feel heard, understood, and supported. 

Newport Beach Recovery Center Encourages Diversity 

Social support is essential to treatment and long-term recovery. Individuals with SUD may have a limited support system and underdeveloped social skills. Becoming part of a community during treatment can improve your mental health. According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, research “findings suggest that the relationships most helpful for initiating abstinence involved recognition by a peer,” service provider, or family member. Our staff acknowledges each client and validates their recovery journey.

In addition, peers help one another during recovery by doing the following: 

• Sharing similar life experiences that reduce feelings of isolation 
• Providing alternative points of view that motivate positive changes 
• Offering moral support and sharing tips for success 

Newport Beach Recovery Center understands the power of community and welcomes clients into a family-like environment that encourages social bonding and connections. 

Finding Your Voice During Treatment 

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ have a higher risk of experiencing trauma, prejudice, and bigotry in their day-to-day lives. Some people may feel their point of view has no value based on how others have treated them in the past. However, Newport Beach Recovery Center believes that every person is unique and that their experiences matter. Everyone deserves to feel heard and accepted by the sobriety community. 

Risk Factors Associated with Substance Abuse 

LGBTQIA+ youth have a higher risk of developing mental health disorders that can contribute to adult substance abuse. Some other significant risk factors that impact the risk of SUD include: 

• Childhood abuse or neglect 
• Experiencing or witnessing domestic violence 
• Physical or verbal assault 
• Sexual assault or exploitation 
• Chronic or acute stress, including the loss of a loved one or financial instability
• Relationship problems 
• Childhood mental health disorders
• Family history of substance use or mental health issues 

It’s important to acknowledge that many of these risk factors are more common among LGBTQIA+ people and other minority communities. On the other hand, risk factors are not always an indication that someone will develop SUD. 

Long-Term Recovery for Individuals Who Identify as LGBTQIA+ 

Most people require additional support during the transition from rehabilitation to aftercare services. Individual therapy, interacting with sober peers, and community-based self-help groups, including 12-Step meetings, will help you remain focused on making positive changes. 

Aftercare and long-term recovery involve unique challenges, stressors, and dangers for individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. They face social stigmas and targeted harassment. Additionally, they’ll receive fewer community resources, and there’s a looming threat of violence that can complicate ongoing recovery. The reality is that people who identify as LGBTQIA+ have an increased likelihood of experiencing trauma and other events that increase their risk of relapse. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers aftercare planning, alumni services, and additional resources to ensure the best possible outcome for all of our clients. We are here to provide continued support during early and ongoing recovery. 

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ often face unique issues during rehabilitation and ongoing recovery. In addition, many people feel unsure about attending residential treatment. Fear of being looked at differently, judged, or harassed can make it hard for some individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ to get the help they need. Newport Beach Recovery Center celebrates diversity and uses a trauma-informed approach to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable with the care team and peers at our facility. You can rely on the dedicated professionals at Newport Beach Recovery Center to ensure you have a positive rehabilitation experience. To learn more about our program and services, call our office today at (888) 850-0363.