Traumatic Experiences and Drug Use by LGB Adolescents: A Critical Review of Minority Stress

Abstract

High rates of illicit drug use found among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents are often attributed to unique and chronic traumatic events tied to sexual minority identity. Although initiation of drug use is relatively common within adolescence, little research contributes to our understanding of the disparities found among LGB adolescents. This review synthesized existing literature to determine if the minority stress model is applicable to LGB drug use disparities and fits within a trauma framework. Findings indicate that minority stress experiences have been inconsistently related to drug use among LGB adolescents. Implications for future research and practice are described.

Intersecting burdens: Homophobic victimization, unstable housing, and methamphetamine use in a cohort of men of color who have sex with men

“…Our findings are consistent with prior research indicating that homophobic victimization is associated with both unstable housing (Choi et al, 2015; Durso and Gates, 2012) and substance use problems (Goldbach et al, 2015; Hughes et al, 2010; Paul et al, 2014; Slater et al, 2017) in MSM and other sexual minorities. Prior research linking homophobic victimization with substance use problems are predominantly cross-sectional (Goldbach et al, 2015; Hughes et al, 2010; Paul et al, 2014) Our study expands upon extant literature by utilizing longitudinal data and addressing temporal order between past homophobic victimization and recent methamphetamine use – via lagged-models. Furthermore, the present study is among the first to quantify the degree to which unstable housing partially mediates (~12%) this association.…”

“…This may be explained by the Minority Stress Model, which indicates that exposure to minority stressors such as discrimination, harassment, or violence can directly harm the mental health of minority individuals (Meyer, 2003). Therefore, it is plausible that mental health problems arising from homophobic victimization can take the form of methamphetamine or other substance use (Goldbach et al, 2015; Hughes et al, 2010; McCabe et al, 2010; Roy and Perry, 2009). Qualitative research has elucidated that methamphetamine and other social drugs are used in the context of loneliness, isolation, and fear that comes with being a sexual minority (Aguilar and Sen, 2013; Reback, 1997).…”

“…Multiple studies have found that minority stress—the excess stress of minority status (e.g., racial or sexuality-based)—is associated with abuse of substances, such as methamphetamine, in sexual minority communities (Hughes et al, 2010; McCabe et al, 2010). Compared to heterosexual persons, MSM are burdened by higher rates of victimization (e.g., verbal harassment, violence, threats), unstable housing (Choi et al, 2015; Durso and Gates, 2012), and of substance abuse (Goldbach et al, 2015; Hughes et al, 2010; McCabe et al, 2010; Slater et al, 2017), all which are foundational to experiences of minority stress. In large national samples, MoCSM have greater odds of mental health problems compared to White MSM, who are already at heightened risk of mental health problems compared to their heterosexual peers (Bostwick et al, 2014).…”

Sexual orientation openness and depression symptoms: A population-based study.

“…Health behavioral factors. Manifest health behaviors related to both reduced physical and mental health among sexual minorities include sexual health risk behaviors, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse (Goldbach et al, 2015;Goldbach et al, 2014). Studies have shown that these health behavioral risks are, at least partially, driven by stigma-related stressors, such as victimization, lack of supportive environments, psychological distress, negative disclosure reactions, and housing status, and may be further amplified by a lack of social support (Goldbach et al, 2015;Haas et al, 2011;McDonald, 2018;Russell & Fish, 2016).…”

Romantic Attraction and Substance Use in 15-Year-Old Adolescents from Eight European Countries

“…Potential explanatory pathways for the association between SMY status and cannabis use are comparable to those of alcohol and tobacco use. Internalized homophobia and community connectedness were both positively associated with cannabis use in LGB young people [26]. These effects may be attributed to minority stress, and greater community connectedness may be associated with greater conformity to social norms within the LGB community that are more permissive toward substance use.…”