In Search of a Gay Friendly Rehab

Some researches have found that the number of gays and lesbians who are seeking for treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction is rising much faster than the general population, calling for the need for more gay friendly rehab treatment centers.
Reasons for drug use. Some social analysts believe that the reason for this is that gays and lesbians use drugs as a coping mechanism to feelings of discrimination and sexual repression, and that bars and clubs (where alcohol is freely served) is the one place most gays and lesbians go to to meet and interact with each other. Some have also pointed out that the use of certain drugs – crystal meth in particular – has simply become a norm within the gay clubbing community.

The problem with other treatment centers. Gay and lesbian substance abusers can get treatment either at a gay and lesbian exclusive rehab facility, or at a mixed sexuality facility. But they need to be treated at a facility that observes a determined tolerance and freedom of expression towards all genders and sexualities. It is important to note this as it has been previously observed that some patients (and even some members of the staff) in some treatment centers tend to abuse gay and lesbian patient, or make them feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. Advocates of both argue the relative merits of each, and it seems that either type of facility can offer good support and treatment, and it simply comes down to an individual comfort level.

Catering to the LGBT community. Because of the rising number of drug and alcohol addicted individuals in the LGBT community, many believe that establishing more substance addiction rehab centers for gays and lesbians is necessary. Based on interviews, gays and lesbians respond more to treatment programs when they feel comfortable about their environment. It is therefore believed that patients in a gay friendly rehab center will have a better chance at recovery as they will be with other people who share a similar backgrounds and belief systems as them. If a patient does not feel comfortable discussing personal issues in a mixed sexuality environment, then a gay or lesbian exclusive rehab treatment center is the better choice, but if he or she is comfortable contributing openly and honestly within a mixed a facility then there is really no problem.
Not putting any limits. The creation of more substance addiction treatment centers especially for gays and lesbians, however, should not mean that they cannot be treated in treatment centers with mixed sexuality patients. It needs to be clarified: a rehab treatment center doesn’t have to be exclusive, it just has to be able to make their patients feel comfortable in order to make its programs more effective. Gay and lesbian addicts say that they appreciate having therapists and counselors who can address their particular lifestyle and sexuality issues directly, and these professionals may also be working in mixed sexuality treatment centers.

Ultimately, an attitude of respect and tolerance is all that is required in an alcohol and drug treatment center for gay and lesbian patients to be comfortable and be encouraged to recover. It is recommended that gays and lesbian drug addicts go to gay friendly rehab treatment centers if they feel that they won’t be comfortable during the duration of their treatment in other treatment centers.