Lesbian Gay Bisexual Or Transgender Clients in North Dakota

Special populations such as women, adolescents, ethnic minorities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) in North Dakota face obstacles and life experiences that require special attention in treatment.

LGBT Patients and the Need for Tailored Programs

LGBT persons face discrimination, prejudice, negative attitudes and behavior, and unique life experiences that differ from the majority populous. They have specific needs that cannot necessarily be met by the treatment programs that are intended to serve the majority population. Tailored programs for unique populations may offer key services that are not always offered in the majority of treatment programs.

Issues Affecting LGBT Persons Addicted to Substances

Some of the most troubling issues for LGBT individuals and families is that the lack of information and adaptability in the healthcare system can be downright harmful to them. Transgender people are routinely denied coverage, LGBT people have higher rates of lack of insurance than straight people (and are typically excluded from many health plans and programs), and people on the LGBT spectrum are usually offered a prohibitively negative quality of care. As a result, they have "additional emotional stress and pressure," according to the center, and many resort to self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

There may also be a sense of cultural denial at the scope of substance abuse in the larger LGBT community. In The Advocate, an editorial asks if the push to legalize same-sex marriage (and the ultimate victory) has detracted from any significant efforts to address some of the particular healthcare needs of gay, transgender, and questioning people. There is a concern that by drawing attention to the issue of addiction in the LGBT community, the victories of marriage equality will be tarnished, and many gay and transgender people will be exposed to new stigmas and stereotypes.

Substance abuse is also widespread in the gay club and bar scene. For many who feel ostracized and unwelcome in traditional healthcare settings, the socialization and escape they achieve through recreational activities can further deepen the need for drugs and alcohol.

Understanding LGBT Health

In order to effectively address LGBT health issues, there is a need to securely and consistently collect SOGI information in national surveys and health records. Rehab centers in North Dakota have made this a priority.

Social determinants affecting the health of LGBT individuals largely relate to oppression and discrimination. Examples include:

• Lack of laws protecting against bullying in schools
• Lack of social programs targeted to and/or appropriate for LGBT youth, adults, and elders
• Legal discrimination in access to health insurance, employment, housing, marriage, adoption, and retirement benefits
• Shortage of health care providers who are knowledgeable and culturally competent in LGBT health

What Kind of Treatment is Necessary?

All these factors mean that an addiction treatment program for LGBT people has to consider many unique issues that same-sex and transgender people are very familiar with, that straight patients may not ever have to think about, and that healthcare professionals have to very mindful of.

Among other things, treatment centers have been enlightened accept the client's "family of choice," and not the definition of "family" in terms of biological relation or legal ruling. This ensures that the client will have their preferred support system on hand, and it will not limit the client to identifying family members who may not be affirming of their sexual orientation or gender identity, which can be a source of intense stress in and of itself, ultimately contributing to a failure of treatment.

Simply call the nearest rehab center in in North Dakota if you are a LGBT person struggling to shoulder the weight of drug addiction. It will be the best decision you could ever make as you get started on the road to recovery.