Addiction Resources & Rehabs for the LGBTQ+ Community

Important LGBTQ Resources for Addiction and Mental Health

Substance abuse and addiction rates in the LGBTQ+ community are higher than in any other sector of society. Societal stigma, discrimination, mental and physical abuse, and co-occurring mental health disorders are just a few of the unique substance abuse triggers among this population. That is why LGBTQ resources are vital in the addiction and mental health spaces.

Individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community face higher rates of substance use and addiction than other marginalized groups. In fact, studies have shown that substance use in the LGBTQ population is two to three times higher than in heterosexual people.1 There are several contributing factors, such as discrimination, alcohol advertising geared toward this community, and many social events being centered in bars.

However, just as this population can overcome stigma, so too can LGBTQ individuals find recovery. This guide provides a comprehensive list of LGBTQ resources for addiction, mental health, and rehab so that everyone has a chance at recovery.

LGBTQ+ Addiction Statistics

Members of the LGBTQ community are at greater risk for substance use and mental health problems compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The National Survey on Drug Use, which is conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), found that when compared to heterosexual people:1

  • Up to 30 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with substance use
  • 45 percent of LGB young adults reported binge drinking in the last year
  • 39 percent of adults used an illicit substance in the last year
  • 25 percent of LGBTQ people misused alcohol
  • Gay or transgender identifying individuals used tobacco 200 percent more than heterosexual peers
  • Suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth is four times higher
  • Transgender youth were 2.5 times more likely to use drugs
  • Queer women are three times more likely to consume alcohol
  • Bisexual women have higher rates of alcohol use disorder
  • Black and Latino LGBTQ individuals are less likely to complete addiction treatment

Many factors influence drug use among this population, not least is discrimination — in the workplace, barriers to treatment, less access to resources, and being the subject of hate crimes. In fact, LGBTQ people are at a higher risk of co-occurring conditions. with as many as one in three LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with mental illness.1,5,8

Key LGBTQ Mental Health Facts

  • Sexual orientation is the second highest cause of hate crime, according to the FBI2
  • LGBTQ youth there three times more likely to use drugs due to rejection from friends and family3
  • 80 percent of LGBT youth experience bullying and harassment at school, and as a minority LGBTQ people are at a greater risk of harassment or violence than sexual majority population1,3
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 24, with LGBTQ youth at the greatest risk4,8

LGBTQ+ Treatment and Healthcare Disparities

Unfortunately, as a sexual minority, LGBTQ folks are more likely to face barriers to healthcare and treatment and endure discrimination, despite the fact that LGBTQ adults were more likely than heterosexual people to need substance use treatment.5,6  These inequities are associated with poorer health outcomes, specifically:7

  • 48 percent of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals have postponed medical care due to lack of funds, and 28 percent due to discrimination.
  • 22 percent of transgender individuals have been denied healthcare outright.
  • 28 percent of LGBTQ people have been subject to harassment in medical settings, and 2 percent were subject to violence.
  • 50 percent of trans individuals have reported having to teach their medical providers about trans healthcare.
  • 77 percent of lesbian/gay/bisexual people and just 57 percent of those who identify as transgender have access to healthcare.9

It’s important to highlight the fact that, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, culturally competent and specialized care for LGBTQ people is associated with better addiction treatment outcomes.8

List of LGBTQ Resources

To combat addiction and mental health risks, many organizations offer targeted resources and support for the community. Following is an exhaustive list of those LGBTQ resources. These links offer a variety of information, assistance, and care for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages.

LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotlines

  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 24/7 information services for addiction, crisis, mental health, disaster response, and treatment referral. Call 1-800-662-4357, or send your zip code in a text message to 435748.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7 suicide and crisis lifeline for mental health-related distress or for those concerned about a loved one who may need crisis support. Call or text 988 / chat at 988lifeline.org / or visit the website.
  • Call Blackline: Counseling, support, and resources for Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Call 800-604-5841.
  • LGBTQ National Hotline: Monday-Friday 1pm-9pm PST and Saturday’s 9am-2pm PST. A hotline to talk about issues relating to gender, sexuality, and mental health. Call 1-888-843-4564.
  • Trans Lifeline: 24/7 hotline support for transgender individuals in crisis or seeking support. Call 877-565-8860 in the U.S. or call 1-877-330-6366 in Canada.
  • National Runaway Safeline: 24/7 hotline for youth and young adults thinking of running away from home, friends who have run away, or a runaway who wants to return home. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY.
  • Crisis Line for Racial Equity Support: Monday to Friday from 10am -7pm PST. Support available for BIPOC people who are dealing with racism, violence, or immigration struggles. Call 503-575-3764.
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 domestic violence support. Call 800-799-SAFE (7233), 800-787-3224 TYY / visit the website: https://www.thehotline.org or text “START” to 88788.
  • SAGE: A 24/7 LGBTQ hotline for older adults who want support. Call 877-360-5428.
  • GLBT National Help Center: Monday to Friday 4pm to 12am, and Saturday 12pm to 5pm (ET.) Peer support, hotlines, chatrooms, and local resources available. Visit www.lgbthotline.org / or call 888-843-4564 for the national helpline.
  • DeHQ: Helpline for South Asians who identify as LGBTQ and needing mental health support. Call 908-367-3374 Sundays and Thursdays 8-10pm EST or write any time via their contact form.
  • oSTEM THRIVE Lifeline: 24/7 text-based hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Text “oSTEM” to +1 (313) 662-8209.

Non-Profit LGBTQ+ Support Organizations and Foundations

  • The Trevor Project: An organization focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. They serve youth through a text and a hotline that is staffed by trained counselors, and peers.
  • National Native Children’s Trauma Center: Trauma-informed training, prevention, and healing resources for Tribal communities, schools, families, youth, child welfare and juvenile justice, and other youth-serving organizations.
  • Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE): Education, support, and resources, and for providers to improve their LGBTQ+ competency.
  • WeRNative: Health and wellness resources for Native American youth. The organization also provides information on culture, mental health relationships and publishes an advice column.
  • White Bison: A grassroots nonprofit organization that facilitates the addiction recovery Wellbriety Movement. You’ll find a directory of mutual-aid support meetings, addiction prevention programs, Wellbriety Certified Treatment Centers, and
  • GLSEN: A directory of students and educators providing safe, supportive, LGBTQ-inclusive K12 education.
  • National Center for Transgender Equality: A national social justice advocacy organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for transgender people.
  • GLAAD: A nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ representation in the media.
  • Trans Lifeline: A nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe space to support transgender people experiencing mental health and addiction crises.
  • Harm Reduction International: An organization committed to reducing the impact of drug use policy and promoting the health of people who use drugs.
  • PFLAG: Advocacy and education for LGBTQ individuals, families, and allies.
  • Human Rights Campaign: This organization advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
  • Black AIDS Institute: HIV prevention and awareness advocacy for Black communities.
  • True Colors United: Resources for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
  • Keshet: An organization dedicated to promoting equality for LGBTQ Jewish people.
  • The Transgender Law Center: Fights for the legal rights of transgender people.
  • Bisexual Resource Center: An organization that provides support and resources to bisexual, pansexual, and other queer individuals.
  • Trans Women of Color Collective: An education and awareness organization devoted to healing and justice and tackling issues in their community.

LGBTQ+ Treatment Directories

LGBTQ+ Support Groups

  • Wellbriety, hosted by White Bison is a mutual-aid support meeting that provides culturally based healing to Indigenous People across America and Canada. You can attend meetings in-person and online. While not LGBTQ+ specific, people who identify that way do attend.​
  • Recovery Dharma (BIPOC Only group): A Buddhist-inspired (non-12 step) recovery support group that hosts meetings specifically for BIPOC, and BIPOC LGBTQ2S folks.
  • Call Blackline: Provides peer support for Black LGBTQ+ individuals with a Black femme lens.
  • Melanin & Mental Health: Monthly events for Black and Lantinx/Hispanic communities.
  • Gay & Sober: Daily online meetings for LGBT folks in recovery.
  • Therapy for Black Girls: An online community of Black women seeking to improve their lives and relationships.
  • You Are Not Alone Network: A virtual community for people struggling with and recovering from mental health issues.
  • PFLAG: 400+ national LBTQ+ support groups
  • Gay and Lesbians in AA (GAL-AA): A 12-step recovery support group for gay and lesbian individuals.
  • QTIBIPOC Healing Space: A Facebook support group for LGBTQ+ people of color.
  • Trevor Space: Peer support groups for LGBTQ youth.
  • Trans Youth Online Talk Group: A weekly support group for trans youth.

Resources for Parents and Family of LGBTQ+ Individuals

LGBTQ Resources: Representation in Media

From podcasts to different forms of social media, here’s our list of supportive LGBTQ resources found in the media:

Podcasts

  • gAy A: A podcast About LGBTQ Sobriety.
  • Native American Ellen Blackcloud: A podcast about the trauma, the experience of being Native American, and navigating sobriety.
  • Two Spirit Talks: A storytelling podcast that centers and uplifts Two Spirit voices.
  • Gayish: Hosts Mike Johnson and Kyle Getz talk with guests talking about topics from depression to relationships.
  • Food 4 Thot: LGBTQ+ related topics hosted by Tommy Pico, Fran Tirado, Dennis Norris, and Joe Osmundson.
  • Making Gay History: Led by host Eric Marcus, who discusses LGBTQ history, notable figures, and those who fought for LGBTQ civil rights.
  • Queery: A funny podcast hosted by Cameron Esposito, who shares LGBTQ+ stories of success and challenges.
  • Queerology: Theologist and counselor Matthias Roberts, hosts interesting discussions on topics of psychology, faith and sexuality.
  • Served Up Sober: Sober icon and host Shari Hampton offers her wisdom on a fulfilling recovery.
  • Gay Therapy: Social worker Ken Howard, leads a discussion about what it means for gay men to achieve quality of life.

Social Media Influencers

  • Sober Black Girls Club: Support for Black women, femmes and non-binary individuals who want recovery-related and mental health support. Follow: @soberblackgirlsclub
  • Queer Introverts: A global community of LGBTQ+ introverts. Follow: @queerintroverts
  • Served Up Sober: Nonprofit organization led by Shari Hampton, that provides support for women of color who are sober, or sober curious. Follow: @servedupsober
  • Irina Gonzalez: Queer, Latinx, neuro-divergent, and sober writer. Follow: @missirinagonzalez
  • The Nap Ministry: A social justice account centered on rest. Follow: @thenapministry
  • Murphthejerk: Tracy identifies as sober, neuro-divergent, agender, lesbian, and queer, using their account to show how they navigate those identities, and how to support others. Follow: @murphthejerk
  • Tawny Lara: Self-described sober expert, co-founder of Recovery Rocks Podcast, and published author Lara talks about recovery with passion. Follow: @tawnymlara
  • Queer Sober Atlanta: An account founded by an influencer called Birdie (@somedayinaugust), this page provides mutual aid support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Follow: @queersoberatlanta
  • Proud and Sober: A page about sobriety, anxiety, and humor. Follow: @proudandsober
  • Brown Girl Therapy: A mental health community organization for children of immigrants, promoting therapy, biculturalism, and social justice. Follow: @browngirltherapy
  • Join Club Soda: a British founded community of people who want to drink more mindfully and connect with others. Support group and events. Follow: @joinclubsoda
  • Sabine Mazine Lopez: Black non-binary femme Sabine founded A Tribe Called Queer. Their page contains clothing images with mental health content that encourages the reader to interact on topics of gender and race equality. Follow: @atribecalledqueer
  • Sonia Agarwal: Brown queer feminist who discusses topics of neurodivergence, race, and sexuality. Follow: @brownqueerfeminist
  • Decolonizing therapy: Jennifer Mullan, self-nicknamed “the rage doctor,” challenges how we view mental health support by decolonizing therapy. Follow: @decolonizingtherapy
  • Anna Zoe Quirke: Mental health advocate Quirke centers autism awareness and its intersections with eating disorder recovery. Follow: @annazoequirke

LGBTQ Resources: Academic Articles

LGBTQ Resources: Online Articles and Blogs

  • LGBTQ+ & Recovery: Research-based information and resources about LGBTQ+ mental health and substance use disorder from the scientists at the Recovery Research Institute.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse: Substance use and SUDs in LGBTQ+ Populations. Information and resources about mental health and addiction in this population.
  • Faces & Voices of Recovery: LGBTQ+ Recover A resource page for LGBTQ people in recovery, allies, and those seeking recovery.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fact Sheets:
  • Rest for Resistance: Articles written for LGBTQ+ people written by queer people of color.

How Can Friends and Family Help Addicted LGBTQ+ Individuals?

Anyone struggling with an addiction can benefit from support from their loved ones. In the case of LGBTQ+ individuals, this is especially important as they may have previous experiences of prejudice, rejection, and hostility from those closest to them. Support on a personal level can be provided by family members, friends, allies, or other members of the LGBTQ+ community.

If you suspect that someone you know has an addiction, there are things that you can do to assist. Firstly, it is important to recognize the signs of addiction.

Depending on the substance, the warning signs can be different, but the following are some general red flags:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Deteriorating work performance
  • Lack of concentration or interest in things
  • Lying and secretiveness about whereabouts or activities
  • Financial problems
  • Mood swings
  • Fluctuating energy levels
  • Changes in sleeping and eating habits

There are of course, possible other causes of this behavior, and it is important to be tactful when addressing the situation. It is essential to remain calm and nonjudgmental. Addiction affects people from all walks of life, but there is still a stigma attached to it. An LGBTQ+ person who has already experienced social stigma on another level may be especially reluctant to address their addiction.

Additional Services Offered by LGBTQ+ Rehab Programs

In addition to the services listed above, LGBTQ+ rehab centers pride themselves on being inclusive and welcoming. The programs on offer are likely to focus strongly on helping patients with self-acceptance of their sexual orientation or gender identity. A program not specific or inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community may not cover this in as much detail. An LGBTQ-friendly program will address this important issue in a much more comprehensive nature, understanding that the more self-love and self-acceptance a person has, the stronger their chance of getting and staying sober.

Some rehab programs are broken down into subsections of the LGBTQ+ community. Therapists are trained in the issues and concerns specific to each group. These can include programs designed for:

  • Gay men and/or individuals who identify as gay men
  • Lesbian women, or individuals who identify as lesbian women
  • Transgender individuals
  • Gender-nonconforming people

Reasons to Choose a Specialized LGBTQ Rehab Program

Often, the more understood you feel in your rehab program and the more you can relate to those around you, the more likely you will succeed. Programs designed with LGBTQ+ people in mind can offer the targeted support, understanding, and motivation that is needed to ensure long-term recovery. Reasons why it is worth considering an LGBTQ+ friendly program include:

  • Being surrounded by people in a similar situation with similar life experiences. These personal connections can lead to deeper healing, growth, bonding, and sustainable recovery. Often this support is essential, especially if an LGBTQ+ person has been ostracized by their friends and family.
  • Staff members are specially trained to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. They are aware of concerns that are unique to the LGBTQ+ population, such as homophobia. They can help patients to learn to process their emotions and reactions without using drugs or alcohol to numb the pain.
  • LGBTQ individuals often experience discrimination, bullying, and harassment. Some fear that this may also happen in a rehab facility. By enrolling in an LGBTQ+ friendly program, participants can be reassured that they will not face these issues and can focus on their recovery instead.
  • Programs are often founded by, or advised on, by LGBTQ+ professionals with first-hand experience of the challenges faced.
  • Treatment programs often incorporate therapies that are specifically targeted to assist LGBTQ+ people in areas in which they can struggle. An example is sessions specifically focused on self-worth and self-acceptance.
  • The reasons why someone from the LGBTQ+ population first experimented with substances may differ from those of heterosexual people. They often stem from childhood trauma, and so LGBTQ+ programs may incorporate therapies that address this, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
  • LGBTQ-focused programs are particularly sensitive to the need for confidential and private treatment. This can be critical to those who have experienced discrimination (either personal or professional) or been the target of abuse because of their sexuality or gender identity.
  • Many LGBTQ+ people avoid medical treatment due to a distrust of medical staff and processes. Again, these fears are alleviated within an LGBTQ+ friendly environment staffed by nonjudgmental and fully trained personnel.

Many people within the LGBTQ+ community struggle with addiction and mental health issues. Addressing these issues can be a daunting process, and LGBTQ+ people, in particular, can feel overwhelmed and fearful of the process. The good news is that many programs are specifically designed to put you at ease and provide you with the best possible care. Offered within a welcoming and non-judgmental environment, LGBTQ+ friendly treatment programs are available to support you on your journey to rehabilitation. The most important first step is to reach out for help while safe in the knowledge that you will be treated with the compassion and understanding that you deserve.

Resources

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015.htm
  2. FBI. (2015). Latest Hate Crime Statistics Available. Bias Breakdown. https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/latest-hate-crime-statistics-available
  3. Herek, G. M. (2008). Hate crimes and stigma-related experiences among sexual minority adults in the United States: Prevalence estimates from a national probability sample. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(1), 54-74. doi:10.1177/0886260508316477
  4. The Trevor Project. (2020).: Facts About LGBTQ Youth Suicide: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/estimate-of-how-often-lgbtq-youth-attempt-suicide-in-the-u-s/
  5. Gonzales, G., & Henning-Smith, C. (2017). Health Disparities by Sexual Orientation: Results and Implications from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Journal of community health, 42(6), 1163–1172. doi: 10.1007/s10900-017-0366
  6. Allen, J, L. Mowbray, O. (2016). Sexual orientation, treatment utilization, and barriers for alcohol related problems: Findings from a nationally representative sample. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.02.025.
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health. https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/links.htm
  8. Substance use and suds in LGBTQ* populations. (2017, September 5). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbtq-populations
  9. Herman, J, L., Mottet, L, A., Tanis, J., Min, D. (2010). National Transgender Discrimination Survey Report on Health and Health Care. The National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. https://cancer-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/National_Transgender_Discrimination_Survey_Report_on_health_and_health_care.pdf
Olivia Pennelle
By Olivia Pennelle
Dr Jillian Foglesong Stabile
Medically Reviewed by Dr Jillian Foglesong Stabile
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