Substance Abuse Help for the Transgender Community

Within the LGBTQ community, those who identify as transgender face unique challenges. These individuals battle discrimination and social stigmas that impact everything from relationship recognition and employment opportunities to debates over which public bathroom they’re allowed use.¹

Life as a transgender person creates daily struggles that most people simply can’t imagine. Discrimination, family rejection, and downright hostility make day-to-day life very difficult. Combine this with the lack of a solid support system, and it is no surprise that many transgender individuals turn to alcohol and drugs to dull their pain.²

Daily Challenges of Transgender People

Transgender individuals deal with discrimination and threats of violence on a daily basis, simply for being who they are. In a study involving 28,000 respondents, the U.S. Transgender Survey revealed the following disturbing statistics:³

• 10% of the respondents who are “out” have faced violence from a family member
• 8% of respondents were kicked out of their homes after coming out to their families
• 54% of respondents reported being verbally attacked while in school (K-12) while 24% were physically attacked and 17% were sexually attacked
• 30% of respondents with jobs reported having been fired, denied a promotion, or mistreated due to their gender identity
• 29% of respondents lived at or below the poverty level (compared to 12% of the total U.S. population)

Perhaps most shocking of all, approximately 40% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide at some point during the course of their lifetimes.⁴ This is close to 9 times the rate of attempted suicide among the rest of the U.S. population.

Many transgender individuals don’t feel safe in their day-to-day lives. In a world where going out alone at night or walking through certain neighborhoods can place them in danger of violence and hate crimes, it is not surprising that anxiety, fear, isolation, and depression are prevalent throughout the transgender community.

Substance Abuse as a Coping Method

In an attempt to deal with the intense stresses of daily life, many transgender individuals turn to chemical substances. Depressants, including alcohol, opioids, and heroin, are often the drugs of choice as they work well to dull the pain.  

Since bars and night clubs are considered safe havens and sanctuaries for gay and transgender people, the use of alcohol and amphetamines has also become a widely accepted part of the social culture. In a society where they are often not accepted anywhere else, many transgender individuals are drawn to these bars and clubs. This makes the prospect of getting sober that much more intimidating, as it would require them to distance themselves from one of their only sources of social support.

Co-Occurring Conditions

Co-occurring mental conditions further complicate recovery options for individuals struggling with addiction. Studies suggest that 39% of transgender people suffer from severe mental distress.³ Anxiety, clinical depression, and eating disorders are some of the most commonly reported issues.

For substance abuse treatment to truly be successful, it must also address any co-occurring conditions. This makes it even more important for transgender individuals to seek out the right kind of treatment center.

Seeking Transgender-Specific Help

Substance abuse presents a serious challenge for transgender individuals, but there is hope. While traditional rehab facilities may sometimes lack the resources to provide adequate support for transgender people, many specialized programs now offer treatment tailored specifically to the LGBTQ+ community, including those offered at American Addiction Centers. The availability of these programs can be life-changing, removing barriers for those who might otherwise hesitate to seek help.

To learn more about your treatment options, verify your insurance or go over other payment options, and learn more about AAC treatment centers, give us a call at . Our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators are on hand to answer your questions, offer support, and help you take your first steps onto the road to recovery.