Drug Abuse Prevention within the LGBTQ Community
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Drug Abuse Prevention within the LGBTQ Community
LGBTQ people in the US face more stigma and discrimination than heterosexual people. As a result, the LGBTQ community is more likely to be harassed or violently attacked, putting them at risk for health issues. According to US studies, the LGBTQ community is more prone to substance and drug abuse disorders than the general population, highlighting the need to prevent drug abuse within the community (SAHMSA, 2018). The following strategies are suggested to better prevent or intervene with LGBTQ drug abuse. The first option is to combat bullying. The LGBTQ community faces harassment, violence, and threats, which affects their mental health and well-being. Preventing harassment reduces health risks, including drug abuse (SAHMSA, 2018).
The second option is to help victims of drug abuse. The LGBTQ community is expected to face marginalization, poverty, and stigma. In order to prevent further substance abuse, it is important to raise awareness of violence against LGBTQ people (SAHMSA, 2018). The third strategy is equal rights advocacy. It will reduce many forms of heterosexual oppression and prevent marginalization. Advocacy is critical to removing internal feelings of shame and self-acceptance struggles. Adopting social institutions that do not discriminate against LGBTQ people reduces the risk of mental health issues. Improved mental health access for LGBTQ communities is another option to consider. It removes the fear of coming out as LGBTQ. They can live without stigma, improving their mental health and coping skills in situations that trigger substance abuse.
How Prevention strategy Differ from Other Strategies
LGBTQ communities are more vulnerable to drug and alcohol addiction. According to research, 30% of LGBTQ people use drugs, compared to 9% of the general population (Fenkl et al., 2020). The data shows that the prevention strategy for LGBTQ must be different. Contrary to popular belief, bullying, harassment, violence, and threats against the LGBTQ community are all preventable. Thus, the prevention strategy differs by addressing systemic issues first before addressing individual substance abuse. The strategies are to eliminate bullying, improve access to mental health services, and advocate for LGBTQ equality. These strategies are distinct from others because they consider all possible threats to the LGBTQ community.
References
Fenkl, E. A., Jones, S. G., Aronowitz, T., Messmer, P., Olafson, E. A., Simon, S. R., & Framil, C. V. (2020). Risky sex and other personal consequences of alcohol and drug use among LGBTQ college students. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 31(4), 476–482. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnc.0000000000000161
SAHMSA, S. A. H. M. S. A. (2018, October 1). Treatment needs of LGBT population – youtube. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI8tlhLLCSo