Here are LGBTQ facts you need to know now. • Minority stress contributes to high substance abuse within the LGBTQ community • According to the The American Psychological Association, minority stress is defined as “the relationship between minority and dominant values and resultant conflict with the social environment experienced by minority group members.” • The daily stresses of social prejudice and discriminatory laws in such areas as healthcare, relationship recognition, and in the workplace contribute to minority stress. • On top of this, LGBTQs are often deterred from pursuing treatment because of the LACK of adequate competence and understanding in the healthcare system. This can lead to inept and irrelevant service and discrimination.
• LGBTQs are up to 200 percent more likely to smoke tobacco than their heterosexual peers. LGBTQ safe spaces have been subjected to heavy targeted marketing. Alcohol and tobacco companies have exploited the concept that both bars and clubs are safe spaces for socializing within the community by providing instant access to tobacco and alcohol. LGBTQs to experiment with not only tobacco and alcohol but other substances for coping with social stresses. Numbers don’t lie. Statistics have proven just how strong of an IMPACT this has on the LGBT community. abuse, particularly with methamphetamines and amyl nitrate, in addition to drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, further increase the chances of contracting HIV and various STDs. • The risk of contracting HIV or passing it along to others increases when a person abuses drugs and alcohol because they’re more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or sharing needles. • This has led many • Drug use in the LGBTQ community also puts them at greater risk sexually. • Alcohol and drug
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