Substance abuse in the LGBT population

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

According to the Centers for Drug Control (CDC), studies have shown that, when compared with the general population, gay and bisexual men, lesbian, and transgender individuals are more likely to: use alcohol and drugs, have higher rates of substance abuse, are less likely to abstain from alcohol and drug use and are more likely to continue heavy drinking into later life.

Substance abuse is associated with a wide-range of mental health and physical problems. It can disrupt relationships, employment, and threaten financial stability.

“In the gay and lesbian population alcohol and drug abuse and addiction and use is just rampant,” said Dr. William Jones, a practicing physician in Oklahoma City. “I think they are using drugs and alcohol to look better and to feel better – and when I say ‘feel better,’ I mean to get high.

“Amphetamine based diet pills are a huge problem and with the guys also anabolic steroid use is also a huge problem.”

Jones said the steroid abuse problem is rarely diagnosed early. Rage and anger issues often follow along with the steroid use, Jones added.

“As far as what drugs people use in the LGBT community, alcohol, marijuana, prescription amphetamines (Adderall, Ritalin), sleeping pills (Ambien) and the use of Ecstasy (Molly), sedatives like Xanax & Valium, Ketamine – is a veterinary drug which make you hallucinate (use to be called Angel Dust or PCP).”

Jones reminds that it is a class II felony to illegally purchase these drugs for recreational use. And that buying drugs online is also a Class II felony and a DEA agent may just show up at your door with your package saying, “You’ve got a whole lot of explaining to do!”

GHB, commonly known as a ‘roofie” is another huge problem in the LGBT community, Jones said.

“Alcohol remains the main problem in the gay community partly because the socializing in the gay community happens at bars. And why is it that people feel like they’ve got to take all this stuff to look better and feel better? What’s that sort of emptiness inside of them they are trying to fill up with this ‘stuff?’
 
“It comes back to the stigma of being gay, the isolation, the feeling of being ‘wrong’ with them and often times they are the sissy in the class or bullied all along or there is physical abuse or sexual abuse…there is neglect. I think that child neglect is directly correlated to alcohol/drug abuse and addiction. Some of it is genetic, of course.”

Jones said integrating addicted people into a different lifestyle where they are in a positive environment is the key to recovery.

“Less isolated, more integrated and having fun again around people and places which are healthy for them. People get so far down, there life is like a living hell and that all has to change.”

Jones reminds that sudden cessation of chemicals can be dangerous and treatment may be required, but in many states, particularly Oklahoma, there are not a lot a lot of options for people to enter treatment. It is very costly and most of the time, people must pay for it themselves.

“Then it’s time for people to enter recovery – or as it used to be referred to as ‘sobriety.’ And you have to make changes in your life. Some people don’t like to do that.”

The CDC also says that alcohol and drug use among some men who have sex with men (MSM) can be a reaction to homophobia, discrimination, or violence they experienced due to their sexual orientation and can contribute to other mental health problems.

Alcohol and illegal drug use in some gay and bisexual men also contributes to increased risk for HIV infection and other STDs, especially methamphetamines, amyl nitrates (poppers) and drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol may increase their risk for HIV transmission by engaging in risky sexual behaviors or through sharing needles or other injection equipment.

Jones concluded by saying, “There are going to be issues about childhood trauma and bullying that relate to LGBT issues and chemical dependency. That can be real tricky and we have to remember to keep coming back until we get recovery.

“It’s all about new ‘people, places and things’ so we heal and don’t keep triggering those old traumas. It can be hard to step out of that box. The LGBT community, because they have been hiding for so long, have developed a great way of deceit and manipulative behavior. Those are the things we must change to recover.”

The Gayly – September 19, 2015 @ 12:55pm.