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Information for Gays and Lesbians Entering Drug Rehab

The impact of living in a world with heterosexism, homophobia, prejudice and discrimination, takes its toll on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, as well as those questioning their sexuality. Higher than average occurrences of drug addiction, alcoholism, mental health issues and even suicide are revealed in the results of GLBTQ studies.

Feelings of shame are often identified as a key facet in the progression of a person's addiction. GLBTQ individuals are especially vulnerable as most are born into heterosexual families with the expectation that they grow up to be heterosexual, themselves. When the person eventually realizes they don't "fit" into the heterosexual mold, they feel deeply ashamed. To ease the ever-increasing feeling of being blamed for something over which they have no control, many people end up turning to drugs or alcohol in an effort to find relief.

It is a fundamental belief at The Canyon that no one deserves to live in pain and despair, or to experience a lasting sense of emptiness and helplessness. It is through the awareness of conditions that are affecting the body, mind, and spirit that hope and healing returns. The professional staff at The Canyon stands ready to help those struggling with addiction to arrive at the course of drug treatment that best suits their individual and family needs.

The Need for Drug Rehab in the Gay and Lesbian Community

As a whole, gay men use more marijuana, psychedelic drugs, ecstasy, barbiturates, and stimulants (such as amyl or butyl nitrate "poppers") than heterosexual men, while lesbian women have been shown to use more marijuana and cocaine than heterosexual women.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), over 50% of the new HIV and AIDS cases in the last few years have risen due to intravenous drug use. This figure does not single out gay users, but homosexual males are the single largest HIV-positive group. While the collective number of HIV cases is declining, the number of drug users transmitting HIV is rising.

The Benefits of a Drug Rehab That Speaks to the Gay and Lesbian Experience

Learning to understand your behavioral patterns, your addiction cycle, and how you can take control over the choices and situations in your life are the stepping stones to recovery. Healing is possible.

A drug rehabilitation center that understands the unique issues faced by gays and lesbians allows for a completely open and honest atmosphere free from fear of judgment or persecution. Sharing in groups, counseling sessions and assessments is remarkably easier when people understand each other and can relate to their struggles on a deeper level.

At The Canyon, we provide all the tools you will need to build a strong foundation in recovery. The Canyon offers both outpatient and inpatient treatment, after care treatment and extended care for those who would like to take their time in early recovery.

What You Should Expect From A Gay and Lesbian Drug Rehab

Specific GLBTQ issues that should be addressed during treatment include:

• Coping With Feelings
• Accepting of Identity
• Lack of Acceptance by Family and Friends
• Coming Out
• Integration
• Depression, Anxiety and other Mental Health Issues
• Establishing a Social Network, Supportive of Recovery
• Alleviating Risk-Taking Behaviors

Gays and Lesbians Entering Drug Rehab at The Canyon

We are dedicated to serving our residents and outpatients by helping them through Drug Detox, assist them in the creation of their own treatment plans and help them revise this plan and update it as necessary throughout their recovery as they grow and change. By the end of treatment, you will be prepared to re-enter the world armed with the dreams and goals that you had lost, now defined and mapped out with a clear path ahead of you. Your aftercare counselor will be available as needed as you head off into your future without drug addiction and dependence. If you think that The Canyon might be the drug rehab center for you or your loved one, call today at .