Major developments in society across the globe have provided awareness about the LGBTQ community among the people. Despite this, the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community faces social stigma. Even a few cases have shown them facing threats and other major challenges. This has led the way to alcoholism and sometimes binge drinking among this community. However, the availability of versatile treatment options and awareness among LGBTQ helps reduce this problem manifold.
LGBTQ and Alcoholism: What’s the Relation?
UK has an increased number of LGBTQ population and is increasing more since the year 2018.
What’s more shocking is that the people in the UK and Europe have reported increased incidents of violence against them. The number has increased to almost 62%, making same-sex couples not hold hands in public. Even 1 out of 4 adults stated that they do not want their child to be identified as LGBTQ.
All these factors lead to the severe problem of alcoholism among the LGBTQ nationals. Alcoholism means heavy drinking or intake of alcohol to an extent where you are dependent on it. You think about having it every time that even means alcohol abuse. It becomes the most important thing in the life of people.
Along with alcoholism, some have turned to substance abuse, as keeping a secret and living a double life has taken a toll on their mental health. Almost 25% of LGBTQ in the UK has been stated to possess severe drinking problems or alcoholism compared to 12% of the general population.
However, the provision of Rehab Healthcare by RehabHC and the tailor-made treatment according to the severity of alcoholism will help the LGBTQ community to come out of this vicious circle quite early.
Other Grave Reasons to Opt for Alcoholism
Other Grave Reasons to Opt for AlcoholismTrying to live a double and secret life can be one of the reasons or non-acceptance by the parents, and society can be the other reason. But, there are many more reasons to opt for alcohol too. Let’s take a sneak peek into a few of them:
- Hatred and attacks
- Victimization and minority stress
- Harassment at public and professional places
- Sexual violence
- Loss of family
- Non-acceptance in the ‘faith-based support systems’
- Mental and social stress
- Humiliation
All these factors contribute largely to other risk factors or co-occurring disorders that eventually takes place among the LGBTQ community along with alcoholism. They move to alcohol as one of the coping methods.
Co-Occurring Disorders & Alcohol as Coping Method among LGBTQ
If we go down the history lane, the biggest Stonewall Riots led to the modern LGBTQ rights and laws. Still, many reforms and awareness need to be provided to make this world a happy place for everyone.
But, the present world is still hostile and only shows little acceptance towards these people. This made the LGBTQ community use alcohol as a coping method. It is prevalent in the social settings that made almost 90% of adolescents use it. In the name of binge drinking, they consume more than five drinks in a day to cope with the whole stress. Alcohol drinking is much more prevalent among the LGBTQ community and remains untreated too.
It not only stops here but along with alcoholism, the LGBTQs faces ‘co-occurring’ disorders too. These disorders relate to the problematic mental condition of the LGBTQ people. This has made a few members commit suicide, do self-harm, or opt for self-medication. A few common co-occurring disorders faced by the LGBTQ community are:
- Anxiety and depression
- Anger
- Loneliness
- Hopelessness
- Low self-esteem
- Eating disorders
- Guilt and minority stress and much more
It is even seen that older women consume more alcohol than younger women and even males in the LGBTQ community. However, this can come to an end if help is taken at the right time from the professional and best London Alcohol Rehab centre like RehabHC. The LGBTQ community can get the required help and support at the right time.
Treatment for LGBTQ Community
To provide complete healing to the LGBTQ community, it is necessary to devise specialized treatment plans that can help them accept themselves as a part of society. Many professional Rehab Clinics UK as RehabHC follows a unique treatment plan along with the alcohol detox for alcoholism problem. A complete therapist treatment is also provided to the people who have undergone co-occurring disorders and trauma. They can speak to licensed therapists and find a solution to their problems and medications to help them come out of this condition. These Rehab clinics chalk out a unique and personalized treatment plan for each patient to cater to their physical and emotional needs. So, people from LGBTQ can also find a ray of hope with these dedicated experts and rehab clinics in the UK.