In the last few decades, people have become more aware of the unique challenges experienced by diverse populations. Within the medical community alone, it took a long while before professionals began to understand mental health conditions and accept that mental well-being is critical to overall health. It also took some time for people to comprehend how unique factors can contribute to the overall decline or improvement of mental health. More understanding of these factors has led to an increase in facilities that are prioritizing more inclusive treatment. With this inclusive treatment comes more programs to support the LGBTQIA+ community through the recovery journey.
West Coast Recovery Centers prioritizes helping clients determine their recovery process and offering continuous support as they embark on that journey. Consider reaching out to West Coast Recovery today if you or a loved one requires addiction treatment.
Why Inclusive Addiction Treatment Is Important
Despite societal advancements, many individuals still experience discrimination based on a number of factors. The world has made several strides in terms of inclusivity, but there is still work to be done. Mental health, and healthcare in general, should not be influenced by discrimination. Millions of individuals are struggling with mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD). All these individuals should have equal access to care that helps them heal and recover from it. The thing about addiction is that it does not discriminate. In the same way, treatment should certainly not be discriminative.
Addiction is an equal opportunity condition that everyone should be able to heal from. Unfortunately, addiction treatment can be difficult for people to access when they are a part of a community that may be at higher rates for SUD. That includes the LGBTQIA+ community. Individuals within these communities should be able to access treatment, as LGBTQIA+ individuals sometimes struggle with more severe cases of SUD when entering treatment. Mental health professionals should understand and acknowledge why that may be and how treatment can be altered to treat the specific needs of those within these communities.
What Are the Dangers of Not Providing Inclusive Treatment?
Inclusion is a necessary part of life. When culture lacks inclusion, it can cause harm to all involved. The same goes for the mental healthcare system. As we will discuss further, members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience unique challenges. These challenges and lack of treatment can lead to the development of further mental, emotional, and psychological concerns, sometimes resulting in behavioral issues.
Addiction in the LGBTQIA+ community is highly prevalent. Fear of discrimination may prevent a person from seeking treatment, which is a danger. Noninclusive treatment can also cause people to feel like outsiders among their peers. A critical part of treatment is bonding with peers who can relate to you. Not offering inclusive treatment reduces the chances of treating multiple community members.
The fewer members treated, the less chance of bonding with others who truly understand what it means to struggle with addiction as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Bonds between peers during recovery can grow stronger when they identify with someone who understands them.
Furthermore, non-inclusivity makes it harder for professionals to help people reach their full potential in their recovery. Programs require insight and resources. We must remember that we are not treating the disorder, we are treating the person – and we must be able to treat them for who they are.
What Unique Challenges Can West Coast Recovery Centers Support the LGBTQIA+ Community With?
The recovery journey can be difficult, but individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community experience a number of unique challenges. For starters, members of these communities have to deal with intense levels of discrimination and stigmatization. These discriminations can prevent people from seeking treatment.
Additionally, LGBTQIA+ individuals are sometimes at a greater risk of experiencing traumatic events. They may experience trauma as a result of discrimination or harassment. This, in turn, leads to further complications with their mental health. In many instances, phobias are the most significant challenge these individuals may experience, also preventing them from seeking treatment. Thankfully, many inclusive treatment facilities support the LGBTQIA+ community, such as West Coast Recovery Centers.
How Can Addiction Treatment Programs Support the LGBTQIA+ Community?
Our goal at West Coast Recovery Centers is to create a safe space where members of the LGBTQIA+ community can heal from the trauma of addiction. We do this by:
- Accepting clients for who they are
- Acknowledging LGBTQIA+ connections as they pertain to trauma and mental health
- Providing clients the opportunity to feel empowered through traditional and non-traditional treatment methods
- Offering opportunities for bonding and connecting to other members of the community struggling with SUD
As mentioned, our ultimate goal is to offer all clients a safe place to feel both vulnerable and empowered throughout recovery. Call West Coast to learn more about how we support the LGBTQIA+ community or to seek treatment for yourself today!
Mental health conditions, like depression or substance use disorder (SUD), do not discriminate. These are what some may call equal-opportunity conditions that can impact anyone. Because these conditions do not discriminate, and neither should treatment. All human beings should have access to competent mental health treatment, but because of many challenges, many members of the LGBTQIA+ community may not seek treatment. One of the reasons that may be is because of a fear of discrimination or stigmatization. One way to prevent these individuals from struggling further is by offering inclusive treatment programs and creating safe spaces to support the LGBTQIA+ community and help them heal. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more about our programs today.