The Importance of LGBTQIA+ Affirming Treatment

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and more (LGBTQIA+) deserve treatment that affirms their identity and helps to make them feel safe. Oftentimes, people who are LGBTQIA+ have experiences of trauma that may affect their experience with substances and addiction. It is important to find a treatment facility that understands and uplifts queer people during their treatment. Affirming care means making an effort to be understanding of a queer person's experience and validating their identity within the context of treatment. We at West Coast Recovery Centers provide LGBTQIA+ affirming care for every queer client who stays with us.

Having affirming care allows for queer people to feel safe with their providers. They will be able to open up to their therapists and providers if they know they will be met with acceptance and care. Finding someone who is versed in the specific unique experiences of queer people can make a world of difference in making a long-term change. If someone identifies as queer and has struggled in their past related to this, it may cause them to turn to substance use. Having a safe place to work through these struggles is integral to overcoming substance abuse. 

LGBTQIA+ People and Substance Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+) are more likely to experience substance use disorder (SUD) than heterosexual and cisgender people. LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to experience discrimination and stigma, as well as experience violence or traumatic experiences. Coping with these underlying traumas and experiencing these things may make LGBTQIA+ people more likely to turn to substances to cope. 

Understanding the connection between queer people and addiction allows for a better understanding of our clients. Working with queer people in addiction recovery means employing affirming care and treatment that validates each client. Oftentimes queer people are reluctant to open up or receive care due to treatment that they may have experienced previously. Creating a welcoming and affirming environment is the first step in getting our queer clients the care that they need.

The Connection Between Discrimination and Mental Health

Queer people may face adversity and discrimination in their lives. Discrimination is intentional mistreatment based on sexual or gender identity. If someone is attacked or mistreated based on their identity, it can fracture how they see themselves. It may also affect how they interact with the world. This will affect their confidence, well-being, and mental health. Being misgendered or attacked based on your sexuality can cause trauma, and make someone's mental health get worse. 

Queer folks who struggle with discrimination and traumatic experiences related to their identities may feel isolated and pushed away from treatment. They may be worried that a provider will treat them the same, or that they need to hide these parts of themselves to get help. This isolation and distance create a risk of relying on substances instead of getting the help that they deserve. This is why it is integral for providers to be educated on the needs of all their clients, and work to create an LGBTQIA+ affirming environment for their queer clients. 

The Importance of LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care

A publication titled Cultural Competence in the Care of LGBTQ Patients by authors Bass & Nagy explains that providers who understand the unique challenges that these individuals face can provide better treatment. It states that “[b]etter patient outcomes will be achieved in the care of the LGBTQ community if providers learn the terms, understand healthcare risks, and maintain a wealth of knowledge in the care of these patients.” Knowing the adversity and health risks posed to queer people is important. It is also important to be knowledgeable in the terms and the identities of our patients can make them feel safe in our care. 

Affirming care means care that supports and accepts each person as they are. It means making sure that each person has the treatment that they need, no matter their identity. Affirming care gives each person the space they need to express themselves without fear of discrimination. It also means treating and addressing each person as they want to be called. Without this care, people may feel mistreated or forgotten. LGBTQIA+ affirming care will allow someone the space to open themselves up, and to accept themselves. 

Accepting Oneself With LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care

Long-term recovery is possible with the right treatment team. Treatment should give each person the encouragement they need to make changes in their life. When someone is in an environment that feels safe, they will feel more likely to open up to themselves as well as their providers. Being able to be yourself without feeling of repercussion will help our patients work toward self-acceptance. Affirming care gives each person the safety and security to be themselves. This allows each person to fully accept themselves. 

Accepting oneself and gaining inner confidence allows for large internal changes to happen, and to stick. The inner strength our clients find from accepting themselves allows them to make changes that last a lifetime. At West Coast Recovery Centers, our treatments are catered for each client that we treat. We want to help each client to make the changes they need, and the changes that will last. 

Every client that visits us has their own unique story and needs. Understanding the needs of queer folks allows us to make educated and affirming care plans for people who stay with us. LGBTQIA+ people who experience discrimination and mistreatment are more likely to experience mental health struggles. These struggles and discrimination may lead to being othered or feeling isolated. Providing affirming care allows us to create a safe space for every client who stays with us to open up and be themselves. We aim to make changes that stay with our clients. If you are interested in learning more about our commitment to our LGBTQIA+ clients, contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509.