Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Substance abuse issues affect individuals from all backgrounds, ages, income levels, and sexual orientations. Drug and alcohol addiction has been found to affect members of the LGBTQ community at higher rates than the general population and is often accompanied by mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. An LGBTQ-focused addiction treatment program offers a number of unique benefits for individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.
At Westwind Recovery®, we offer an LGBTQ addiction treatment center program in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn more about this program and to begin your journey to recovery today.
What Are the Benefits of an LGBTQ-Focused Treatment Program?
While those in the LGBTQ community can receive treatment from recovery centers that don’t offer specialized programs, there are a number of reasons why an LGBTQ-focused program can be beneficial.
- Experienced staff members
- Support from peers
- A sense of belonging in treatment
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
Team members in a recovery center that offers LGBTQ-focused treatment programs will have experience in working with members of the LGBTQ community. They can help with issues relating to sexuality, past trauma, and discrimination that those who do not have this experience might struggle with.
Peer support is also invaluable during the recovery process. Having the support of others who have been through similar experiences can make a difference during the early days of recovery.
Treatment centers that offer LGBTQ-focused treatment programs can also help their clients feel like they belong. Clients will not have to worry about feeling alienated during their time in treatment, which can help them focus on their journey.
Finally, LGBTQ-focused treatment programs can also include dual diagnosis treatment for mental health issues, which often co-occur alongside substance abuse issues.
Transgender-Specific Programs for Addiction
Transgender individuals who are ready to begin a treatment program for addiction or mental health issues might hesitate to enter a residential program if the program is not LGBTQ-focused. Many treatment centers offer single-gender programs, which can make someone question whether they will be accepted and supported in treatment.
A recovery center that actively encourages transgender men and women to receive treatment in their programs will take care to provide a safe, supportive environment. At Westwind Recovery®, transgender men and women are welcomed to join our inpatient drug rehab programs as well as our recovery residences.
Addiction and Mental Health Treatment
Many individuals that struggle with addiction also have co-occurring mental health conditions, and this is true for those in the LGBTQ community as well. Some of the reasons why anxiety, depression, and PTSD can be especially prevalent in this community are due to discrimination, homophobia, and past traumas.
Addiction can contribute to mental health issues, as drug and alcohol use can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression. On the other hand, those who struggle with mental health issues might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings. This cycle can be hard to break.
The most effective addiction treatment programs treat co-occurring disorders at the same time, helping individuals understand the underlying causes of their substance abuse issues. Through addiction treatment therapy programs, clients learn healthy coping skills to deal with stress and other triggers in the future.
Contact Westwind Recovery® for LGBTQ-Focused Treatment in Los Angeles
Westwind Recovery® offers addiction treatment programs that are not just LGBTQ-friendly but designed specifically for the needs of members of the LGBTQ community. Our treatment programs and sober living houses are open to LGBTQ individuals, and we also offer weekly sessions and 12-step meetings to provide specialized support.
Some of the topics that we cover in these weekly sessions and meetings include:
- Coming out
- Mental health issues
- Drugs and sex
- Healthy sexuality
- Societal stigma and discrimination
- Internalized homophobia
Learn more about our addiction treatment programs and therapies by contacting Westwind Recovery® today. We’re ready to help you heal.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
