Addiction & Mental Health Treatment
“Self-care.” On paper the term is self-explanatory and straightforward, meaning to take care of yourself. By Google’s definition, it means, “taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.” Simple! Right? …well, if you’re anything like me, and you spent a significant period of your life doing the opposite of this, it can be challenging to develop an effective self-care routine.
There are many reasons why LGBTQ+ people face higher rates of addiction and mental health disorders than others. According to research, LGBTQ+ people are 2-to-4 times more likely to have a substance use disorder than their heterosexual counterparts.[1] These addictions include alcohol, smoking, and other drugs. Some people, heterosexual or LGBTQ+, report using drugs not only for partying, but also for sex. However, this might happen more often among LGBTQ+ people. Many drugs that are more popular among LGBTQ+ people enhance energy and libido, and increase feelings of intimacy.[2] For some people who have discomfort with their sexual orientation, drugs can lift inhibitions and increase the joy of their nightlife.[3] Some regular community events that are popular with LGBTQ+ people, including circuit parties, more commonly involve drug use. A questionnaire-based study of gay men in San Francisco found that half of the studied population who had attended bars and dance clubs reported using methamphetamine in the past three months.[4] As many as 46% of gay men surveyed reported drug use in the past year.[5] Substance use problems are not exclusive to gay men. Lesbian and bisexual women report higher rates of alcohol use disorders than women of other sexual orientations.
“Minority stress” is experienced by members of marginalized minority groups. It results from discrimination and other forms of adversity that minority individuals face because the dominant culture classifies them as different and lesser than members of the majority group.
Everyone always talks a lot about self-improvement and the steps that they’re going to take to better themselves. However, when it comes to actually taking action, it can be easy to talk yourself out of making real changes. This can be especially true for individuals who have an alcohol addiction and might need to attend alcohol rehab. Human creativity can find unlimited ways to avoid the uncomfortable.
As we optimistically, but cautiously, take our first steps toward normalcy, we must ask the following question: what will the new normal look like in Canada after COVID-19? From travel, to work, to mental health and addiction treatment—here’s a look at eight questions about our future.
