Meeting the substance abuse treatment needs of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women: implications from research to practice

Abstract

Research on the incidence, etiology and substance abuse treatment needs of lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) women is limited. Most research indicates higher levels of alcohol and drug abuse among these populations compared to their heterosexual counterparts, with recent research indicating that substance abuse is a particular concern for transgender individuals and an increasing problem among younger LBT individuals. Risk factors and reasons for substance abuse among sexual minority women are similar to those of heterosexual women, yet are substantially complicated by issues of family rejection and lack of social support, stigma and minority stress, as well as abuse and harassment. Historically, substance abuse prevention, early intervention, and clinical treatment programs were designed to meet the needs of the sexual majority population with relatively few programs designed to incorporate the specific needs of sexual minorities. This article reviews findings from previous studies and utilizes new data collected from community-based and residential substance abuse treatment programs to (1) examine issues relevant to LBT women and substance use, and (2) make recommendations for tailoring substance abuse treatment programs to meet the needs of these populations.

The Influence of Acculturation on Substance Use Behaviors among Latina Sexual Minority Women: The Mediating Role of Discrimination

“…Although it is likely that many factors contributing to the development of substance use problems are similar for heterosexual and sexual minority women, there are elevated risk factors due to sexual minority status. The increased likelihood of family rejection and lack of social support; stigma and minority stress; and abuse and harassment must be addressed in substance abuse treatment (Stevens, 2012). As such, future research is needed to develop culturally appropriate treatments to address the needs of SMW with substance use problems.…”

Sexual Orientation, Race, and Trauma as Predictors of Sexual Assault Recovery

“…This negative impact is disproportionately high for sexual minorities, with 57.4% of bisexual women and 33.5% of lesbian women reporting at least one negative impact (e.g., feeling afraid, missing work, PTSD symptoms), compared to 28.2% of heterosexual women (Walters et al, 2013). For example, hazardous drinking is more common among non-heterosexual survivors (Drabble et al, 2013; Stevens, 2012), and bisexual survivors report greater problem drinking than heterosexual ones (Sigurvinsdottir & Ullman, 2015). Also, greater PTSD symptoms are more likely among bisexual survivors (Long, Ullman, Long, Mason & Starzynski, 2007; Sigurvinsdottir & Ullman, 2015) and lesbians than heterosexual survivors (Sigurvinsdottir & Ullman, 2015).…”

Gender Considerations in Addiction: Implications for Treatment

“…Transgender female youth (age 16-24) are at high risk for polysubstance abuse and HIV infection with comorbid concerns such as PTSD, gender-related discrimination, psychological distress and parental drug and alcohol problems (96). Transwomen, in particular, face victimization, homeless, and risk for HIV infection (97). Transwomen often report substance use within the context of anal intercourse, with a strong association between methamphetamine and HIV infection (95).…”