Those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered have seen some progress in society in the past few years. Unfortunately, many people who are on the sexual orientation spectrum face challenges when they seek help for an addiction. Transgendered individuals still have higher rates of addiction when compared to others who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and straight. Even though there are at least 25 million transgender individuals in the world, transgender rights are often still overlooked.
Many individuals who fall in the LGBT category continuously struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. They need help just as much as anyone else, but many transgendered men are hesitant to check into rehab because of their situation. They wonder whether a men-only rehab will admit them as a post-transition transgendered man. Read on to learn more about rehab and the challenges transgender individuals face.
LGBTQ-Oriented Drug Rehab Facilities
Members of the LBBTQ-community may find it easier to look for rehabilitation centers that offer specifically designed programs that cater to their community. An LGBTQ-oriented facility will have staff and doctors on board who understands the type of stressors that LGBTQ members have to deal with on a daily basis. The staff members will also receive specialized training that will allow them to understand the different needs of their patients. It’s also extremely important that patients feel as though the staff and therapists accept them without any judgment or discrimination.
What Do LGBTQ-Oriented Drug Rehab Facilities Offer?
LGBTQ rehabilitation centers offer the same types of treatment that typical rehab centers do, with one major exception. They cater to individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ community and help participants learn how to deal with their stressors without turning to drugs or alcohol. Most programs offer individuals help with:
• Coming out to family and peers
• Homophobia
• Possible rejection by loved ones
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Discrimination
A post-transition transgendered male may experience being misgendered and may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their feelings. An LGBTQ rehab will focus on helping their patients accept their new gender identity while dealing with the stressors that cause them to turn to substance or alcohol abuse.
Men-Only Rehabs
Most rehabilitation centers are set up for both male and female patients. However, many men would prefer a “men-only” rehab that allows them to detox and receive therapy surrounded only by the same sex. Men, especially post-transition transgender men, often find that they face difficult challenges when they are seeking treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. They need to check into a center that caters to their unique needs.
Men are usually brought up being told to be strong and unemotional. They are expected to be tough, self-sufficient, and independent. Many men do not want to ask for help when it comes to drug and alcohol use. A male-only rehab center will employ staff that has experience working with men who are in recovery. Transgender men may feel better in an environment that is geared specifically for men.
What to Expect From Rehab
If you or a loved one is a post-transition transgender man and is looking into rehab, make sure to express your concerns in the beginning. While not every rehab will allow transgender men to receive treatment, you’ll find that most men-only rehabs will. Make sure you express your needs clearly from the start.
You can expect to go through detox after you are admitted into rehab. You may or may not need medication to get you through the worst of your withdrawals. If you do, you’ll be monitored closely by the doctors and nurses on staff. You’ll be given the opportunity to utilize all of the therapy services the rehab offers, from one-on-one sessions to group counseling to family therapy. Once you leave the rehab, you may be given the option to live in a sober-living home and continue therapy on an outpatient basis.
Don’t Waste Another Minute-Call for Help Today
We don’t care what your sexual orientation is or what gender you identify as-we just want to help you get clean and sober. If you are ready to take that first leap into sobriety, give us a call today at 844-639-8371. We’re here for you no matter what!