Relationship Between Sexual Orientation And Substance Abuse

There is overwhelming evidence now, which confirm that there is association between sexual orientation of an individual and substance use. Recent research points out that higher rates of substance abuse including alcohol among youths who self-reported that they were gender minorities or had attraction with the same sex ( Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual)(Faulkner et al, 1998, Garofalo et al, 1998, Hahm et al, 2008). The exact mechanism of the interaction between sexual orientation and substance abuse is complicated. The most common link has been studied by the application of social stress and minority specific framework (Goldberg, 2013). The need of the hour is to understand better the potential pathways and factors that encourage these individuals
Sexual minorities also usually have an extensive family history of substance abuse problems. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Individuals undergoing treatment for substance use often are known to underutilize and fail to adhere to quitting/ cessation protocols. In-depth research can be helpful in planning strategies to improve the utilization rates at substance abuse facilities (McCabe et al, 2013). Structural stigma plays an important role in adverse health
These marginalized communities living in areas with high structural stigma have poor overall health when compared to the gender minorities who live in physical environment that have lesser structural stigma (Hatzenbuehler, 2014). should be devised to counteract situational triggers in the form of gender abuse that lead to substance use (Nuttbrock et al, 2014). Substance abuse and substance use disorder treatment among transgender adults have been associated with many demographic variables like gender, social, economical and mental health factors. It is noteworthy to design studies which identify the barriers for treatment seeking behavior among the sexual minority. This can help to integrate and deliver specific substance abuse treatment foe the transgender community (Keuroghlian et al, 2015). Transgender women were more than 6 times as likely to be seeking treatment for methamphetamine use, but aside from that there were no differences in the primary substance for which transgender and cisgender men and women were seeking treatment. Increased treatment seeking for methamphetamine use may indicate a greater need for methamphetamine prevention among transgender women (Flentje et al, 2015). The study findings have implications for allocation of public funding for the provision of public mental health and substance abuse