Specialty
Services

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community struggle with alcohol and drug addiction at rates estimated to be double those of the general population. Some factors that might contribute to this population’s vulnerability to addiction include discrimination, stigma, higher rates of depression, family rejection, and a desire to fit in with other members of the LGBTQ community who use alcohol or drugs. This is why it is important that treatment centers have a safe space for anyone in the LGBTQ community to find help for substance abuse disorder.

LGBTQ Addiction Treatment at RECO

Both program participants and staff share an understanding of the stressors that LGBTQ members deal with because of their sexual orientation. Staff members receive specialty training to better equip them to address the needs of their LGBTQ clients. Perhaps most importantly, LGBTQ community members know that our staff and other program participants will accept them, without judgment or discrimination.

As part of our program for the LGBTQ and LGBTQ+ communities, we offer therapy and treatment designed to help resolve problems unique to the community, while providing general help with addictions. For example, people who identify as transgender might learn how to better handle problems related to being misgendered without abusing substances to numb themselves to the pain. There will also be a focus on helping clients accept their sexual orientation or gender identity, as a lack of self-acceptance can worsen psychological difficulties for members of these communities. With a centered focus on addiction, we can help any LGBTQ client learn how to deal with common stressors without resorting to drug or alcohol use.

At RECO we help with:

• Homophobia.
• Discrimination.
• Possible rejection by family members.
• Coming out.
• Dealing with depression.
• Gender identity.