While individuals who identify themselves as bisexual, lesbian, gay, and transgender have come a long way into getting justice and proper treatment in both social and legal settings, there are still loopholes. Today, people with sexual orientation still face significant challenges in their everyday lives.
According to statistics, a significant percentage of transgender individuals, even in first world countries, are routinely denied their rights in sectors such as employment, marriage, family ties, healthcare, and housing. Because of these frustrations, the transgender population faces high rates of mental health disorders and depression compared to their straight counterparts. This could be the leading reason for the high addiction rates among the transgender community. Now that we have identified that indeed addiction is a prevalent problem among transgender communities, how easy is it for them to seek professional treatment?
What are your options?
LGBTQ-based rehab programs
Thanks to a few organizations that determined the growing addiction problem among transgender communities, LGBTQ-based drug rehab programs are now available. These addiction treatment centers are designed to accommodate members of the LGBTQ community in particular. Transgender people fall under this group and are likely to find some comfort and peace in these kinds of environments.
Normally, their programs are tailored to meet the needs and address the stressors that LGBTQ members come across when dealing with their sexual orientation. Medical doctors, therapists, and other staff members probably identify with the community or have specialized training that equips them to handle the needs of transgender patients. Most importantly, transgender individuals know that the staff, facility, and other patients at the program understand and accept them without discrimination and judgment.
How is an LGBTQ-based rehab different from traditional rehabs?
Problems encountered by the transgender community are unique, including the triggers of addiction. For instance, the drug addiction treatment center that focuses on the LGBTQ community will teach people how to deal with specific stressors such as:
- Discrimination.
- Coming out of the closet.
- Homophobia.
- Depression.
- Rejection from family members and friends.
You are likely to find more support and help within these communities compared to any other setting. Apart from dealing with the addiction crisis, you will find some acceptance in who you are once you discover many other individuals like you.
What factors should you consider when choosing an LGBTQ rehab program?
You might want to learn more about these kinds of facilities as it makes the admission and settlement process in rehab easier. While you might have found that LGBTQ programs are the best programs for you, you need to consider a few other factors.
Who exactly does the rehab facility accommodate?
The LGBTQ community is broad. Some rehab centers reach out to all members of the LGBTQ community, while others target a specific segment. What are we saying? You will find that some rehab programs only treat lesbians or transgender individuals of a particular gender or gay men. As a transgender person, you might want to look for one that identifies your needs and welcomes you to their program.
What kind of training do the staff members have?
Some rehab programs have gone through the effort of employing individuals with certain sexual orientations who identify with your situation. Ensure that your preferred LGBTQ rehab facility has staff members that accept your orientation and have some experience dealing with the challenges that people in your community go through. Steer clear from programs that offer “reparative” or “conversion” therapies. These kinds of therapies aim at changing patients’ gender identities and could actually do more harm than good. Ensure that you place your fragile self in the hands of understanding, welcoming, and caring staff members.
Treatment programs available
Despite getting too excited that the program is specifically tailored to address your sexual orientation needs, it’s important to know what treatment options are available. Whether you decide to enroll for outpatient, inpatient, or partial hospitalization, ensure that your addiction problem will be solved.
What are the success rates?
Your prospective addiction treatment program should have fairly high success rates. Treatment programs that don’t work for most people will probably not be your ideal solution.
Does it strike a balance?
Between treating addiction and making the rehab facility feel like a home for the transgender community, your preferred rehab program should find a balance between the two. It’s remarkably crucial that you don’t compromise quality and balance.
Have you been looking for an ideal addiction treatment program for you and your specific needs? Talk to us today for professional guidance and help by calling our office at 844-639-8371. Let us help you.