Members of the LGBTQ community often face stigma, judgment, and discrimination. These distinct challenges have led to a high addiction rate within the community. It is not uncommon for LGBTQ individuals to abuse substances to cope with their struggles. If you know someone in the LGBTQ community who is experiencing hardships, they need your support.
There are support services available and treatment centers that can help them with their specific circumstances and needs. There are also ways you can learn to offer support to the LGBTQ community. At Harmony Haus in Austin, Texas, we provide LGBTQ support services to ensure our LGBTQ members receive proper treatment and care.
What Is LGBTQ Support?
LGBTQ support is accepting the community and being an advocate for equal rights and fair treatment. Knowing how to support the LGBTQ people in your life and let them know you care for them and want to help is essential. The LGBTQ community can face distinct challenges that other members of society may not experience. These challenges can lead a person to abuse substances to cope with pain.
Some of these challenges can include:
- Discrimination or stigmatization because of sexual orientation
- Hate crimes, emotional abuse, or threats
- Rejection from friends, family, or acquaintances after coming out
- Loss of employment
The LGBTQ community has a higher rate of substance abuse than other groups in society. Because of the specific challenges LGBTQ individuals are more likely to encounter, it is not uncommon for them to self-medicate. However, this can lead to addiction and risk their physical and mental health. That is why LGBTQ support and support services are crucial.
How to Support the LGBTQ Community
If you have LGBTQ individuals in your life, there are ways you can support them. It is important that they know you care about them and that they are not alone. The specific challenges the LGBTQ community faces can make feelings of loneliness and hopelessness more common. These feelings can have a severe impact on their emotional and mental well-being.
How to support the LGBTQ community:
- Treat them with dignity and respect
- Be open-minded and accepting when your loved ones open up to you
- Be a good listener
- Defend your LGBTQ friends and family
- Invite your LGBTQ friends and family to social gatherings
Learning how to support the LGBTQ community is important, especially if you have LGBTQ people in your life. Treating them respectfully, accepting, and understanding can help them feel less alone. However, if your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it is crucial to seek professional help. LGBTQ-specific rehab facilities and treatment programs cater to their specific needs and challenges. Finding the treatment program and services can ensure that a person can fully heal and recover from their addiction.
LGBTQ Support Services at Harmony Haus in Austin, Texas
At Harmony Haus, we provide a safe and caring environment for our LGBTQ members undergoing treatment and recovery. Our members expect a supportive community that encourages personal growth through continued interaction with other members in similar circumstances. Members also have access to various treatments and programs at Harmony Haus.
Additional services at Harmony Haus include:
- Intervention services
- Recovery coaching
- Care management and recovery coaching
- Legal aid
- Crisis care
- Treatment planning and placement
- Financial coaching and family offices
- Sober transport and companion
We aim to ensure that each member receives the care they need regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Each member gets treated with the respect and dignity they deserve as they go through recovery. Reach out to Harmony Haus at 877.349.1544 to learn more about our LGBTQ support services and additional programs.