June marks the anniversary of the Stonewall riots and is recognized as LGBT Pride Month, a time to celebrate the community’s progress. However, it also provides an opportunity to engage in important conversations about issues affecting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.
Unfortunately, Pride Month often becomes focused on parades, parties, and corporate sponsorships featuring rainbow-themed products. A prominent discussion this year has been the increasing commercialization of Pride by corporations looking to boost sales. While this is a valid concern, it isn’t the conversation we should be prioritizing. The real focus should be on the sponsorship of Pride events by alcohol and tobacco companies.
This is concerning, as LGBT individuals are nearly twice as likely to use and abuse these substances compared to their heterosexual peers and may be more susceptible to such advertising. These conversations should extend beyond Pride Month, which is why I’m addressing this issue in August, rather than waiting for June when it’s trendy.
SUD and the LGBT Community
Let’s examine the facts.
In 2017, the Williams Institute estimated that 4.5% of U.S. residents identify as LGBT. Due to the relatively small size of this population, the LGBT community has been underrepresented in addiction and mental health research.
However, data from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that LGBT individuals experience much higher rates of addiction and other mental health disorders. The survey revealed a significant disparity between substance use among LGBT individuals and their heterosexual counterparts.
Specifically, LGBT individuals were more likely to use illicit drugs (39.1% compared to 17.1%), be current cigarette smokers (32.2% compared to 20.6%), be current alcohol drinkers (63.6% compared to 56.2%), engage in binge drinking (36.1% compared to 26.7%), and be heavy alcohol users (8.2% compared to 7.1%). Additionally, LGBT individuals were nearly twice as likely to have any mental illness or serious mental illness, including substance use disorder (SUD).
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) within the LGBT community. External factors include victimization experiences such as physical assault, discrimination, and adverse childhood experiences like school bullying.
Internal factors include psychological stress related to concealing one’s sexual identity, family conflict (real or perceived), and internalized heterosexism. Research shows that these stressors are strongly correlated with increased substance abuse.
Another, less-researched factor is the role of LGBT history and culture in bars. As LGBT culture has roots in bars as social hubs, these venues remain central to the community’s identity. Combined with alcohol brand sponsorship at Pride and other events, this creates a perfect storm of repeated exposure to a population already at higher risk for substance use disorders and other mental health issues.
What Can Be Done
The path to addressing this issue is straightforward.
First, continue the conversation, particularly around corporate responsibility in advertising. Second, provide support to this vulnerable population by ensuring access to treatment options tailored for LGBT individuals. Currently, only about 7.4% of substance use disorder treatment programs offer specialized services for LGBT patients.
While specialized treatment is valuable, seeking help in any form is crucial if someone is struggling with a substance use disorder.
For those looking for inpatient, outpatient drug and alcohol rehab center in Indiana, Sunrise Recovery has personalized addiction treatment programs that are saving lives and supporting families.
