Question

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transvestite (LGBTQ) Three factors seem to exist that heighten the risk of SUD in the LGBTQ population that may not apply to others The degree of stress and tension that the culture imposes on someone who identifhes as LGBTQ The main stream culture's attitude toward substance use by gays and lesbians, and The degree to which the culture offers an alternative means of satisfaction and coping and alienation (e.g gay bars...one of the few places where individuals can freely mingle and socialize free from the restraints and taboos of the larger culture) 1. What might be some implications of these biases and cultural factors that would flow over into treatment for these individuals? 2. Do you think that specialized treatment considerations are warranted? This is a long module that covers many populations that requires special considerations when working with them in any setting. Treatment considerations should allow for individual considerations and awareness. I have provided you with many references to assist with this discussion good luck and I look forward to a lively discussion. The best part is..only two modules remaining!

Answer 1

1) LGBTQ person are more vulnerable to a wide range of physiological, psychological, and social problems such as eating disorders, forced sex, sexually transmitted diseases, school difficulties, homelessness, suicide and violence.

The relationship with the parents for LGBTQ person is described as strained because of their sexual orientation, lack of acceptance and fear of victimization from the parents. LGBTQ person face negative experiences such as antigay victimization and bullying by others. Religion contributes to internal homophobia and a source of distress if religious beliefs are irreconcilable with one's sexual identity.

Cultural competence is the efforts taken to reduce the linguistic and cultural barriers between patients and medical personnel which interferes with the effective health care delivery.Cultural competence is widely used approach to reduce the health disparities. Inorder to create culturally competent health care for LGBT people we have to educate the staff on specific health disparities experienced by the LGBTQ communities and how to collect social and sexual history, using gender-neutral language on forms and communication, displaying LGBT-friendly symbols,refraining from making assumptions about a person's sexual orientation or gender identity by asking directly about identity and sexual behavior. Examining strongly held beliefs and the biases may be a necessary first step to create a welcoming environment for LGBT patients.

Shame and oppression exists in the lives of LGBTQ persons as personified by legal bans on same-sex marriages,lack of protection for parents, family and social rejection, and many other occurrences, hate crimes committed against LGB individuals. The negative views of homosexuality in society may lead LGBTQ individuals to substance abuse.The negative feelings about homosexuality leads to anxiety and stress within the individual, which may be suppressed by using drugs and alcohol. The crucial part of treatment and recovery for LGBTQ person is self acceptance.

Another reason for substance abuse is lack of safe places to socialize outside gay bars.For most of the people bars may be the only place in which they feel comfortable socializing with other LGBT individuals without fear of judgement, discrimination,or even fear of violence toward them for their sexuality.Alcohol and drugs are readily available in this environment and they areat risk to abuse or even become dependent on these substances.Discrimination against the LGBTQ population can have negative effects on recovery of a person.

2) Specialized treatment programs meet the needs of LGBT individuals in substance abuse treatment. Some studies show higher rates of abstinence and completion for those individuals who attend an agency that offers specialized for LGBTQ individuals.

The important factor to be considered in recovery is the culture. Counselor’s need to understand the unique needs of special populations in order to meet their needs. Recovery from substance abuse is a multi-dimensional process that incorporates behavioral therapy and self acceptance. An individual’s culture and background are important in self acceptance and finding the root of the individual’s problem.

Outcome of the treatment depends on how the counselor perceives the LGBTQ person during treatment.Even though the treatment providers have good intentions to provide optimal treatment for all clients, the possibility remains that subtle biases against LGBTQ clients may influence the treatment process.

To identify and engage LGBTQ person in substance abuse treatment the communities must provide identification and outreach activities that are informative, inclusive, and sensitive to sexual orientation. Medical providers have to identify and refer patients to substance abuse treatment or provide treatment themselves. With the passage of health care reform, integration of substance abuse and mental health screening and treatment into primary and other health care settings is expected to move forward. Training for medical providers on the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and the specific health care needs of LGBTQ populations is critical.

Screening the individual at the early period, removing the social stigma, engaging them in other activities and psychological support will help them to overcome the barriers and lead a healthy life.Tthe most important thing is identifying the LGBTQ person and giving counselling to them and referring them to certain centres where they can be treated. Most of the time treatment is not effective because of the cultural and other factors which hinders the treatment .

The health care people should be educated about overcoming the barriers and how to care for these people and the importance of counselling. They also have to educate the public so that these people can be accepted in the society and substance abuse can be controlled.