young individual in need of a LGBTQ addiction treatment programAddiction does not discriminate. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or sexual orientation, can struggle with substance abuse and addiction. Drug abuse and addiction are prevalent problems in the LGBTQ+ community, with its members struggling at rates nearly double that of the general population. A facility that specializes in an LGBTQ+ addiction treatment program provides a safe, comfortable, and empowering environment for members of the community to discuss their experiences and pursue recovery.

Benefits of an LGBTQ Addiction Treatment Program

At New Bridge Foundation®, our addiction treatment program provides an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can interact with peers within the community, as well as discuss problems that are unique to them, in specialized groups and individualized counseling sessions, including:

  • Discrimination
  • Strained relationships with family members
  • Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression
  • Confidently and comfortably expressing their sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Negative internalized emotions
  • Coming out trauma

Since clients in this program work alongside others who possibly experienced similar problems, they can have peace of mind knowing that they will not face judgment and that they can relate to others in the program.

An LGBTQ+ specialization also allows clients to create bonds and support systems that will last a lifetime. After clients complete treatment and return to their everyday lives, they can rely on the connections they made during treatment to support them. This is especially beneficial to those who may be returning to areas with small LGBTQ+ communities. Having others who understand your feelings and thoughts is crucial to a successful recovery journey and building a sober supportive LGBTQ+ network is an important aspect of recovery and identity.

Addiction Counseling in Specialized Programs

Commonly, many of those in the LGBTQ+ community struggling with substance use disorder also have co-occurring conditions. Discrimination, homophobia, bullying, and other traumatic incidents can cause many members of the community to suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. Often, these conditions are what contribute to substance abuse and addiction treatment.

LGBTQ+ addiction counseling assists clients to explore the conditions in which issues exist. When they discover how and why these problems developed, they can learn healthy coping mechanisms to help prevent relapse in the future. The modes in which these issues are addressed are:

These services not only help clients understand themselves and the sources of their addictions, but they can also help form or repair bonds with others. In group counseling, clients learn how to relate to others and provide support. This form of counseling will also affect how they interact with others after they leave treatment.

Family counseling, which for LGBTQ+ clients may include biological family members and/or family of choice members, is crucial to those in the LGBTQ+ community. Some families struggle to understand their loved one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, with some even rejecting their family member altogether. Family support is vital in addiction recovery and identity development. Often when biological families are unsupportive, an LGBTQ+ person will develop a family of choice to receive the support they need. This support helps them as they develop their identity and live their life in today’s society.

Addiction Treatment at New Bridge Foundation®

If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ addiction treatment program in the San Francisco Bay Area, look no further than New Bridge Foundation®. Our compassionate staff of licensed professionals and certified addiction counselors understands how to support members of the LGBTQ+ community. We strive to provide the best care possible. We offer a full spectrum of care options, including:

The path of recovery is not a journey to face alone. Take your first step toward a lifetime of recovery with New Bridge Foundation®. To learn more about our LGBTQ addiction treatment program and other services, call us today at 866.772.8491.