This is what fuels addiction in LGBTQ+ people, and what’s available to help (exclusive)
by Curated August 31, 2024 · Gay News / Gay Pride / Gay Rights / The Advocate
Author: Ryan Adamczeski
There is always help available.
“One huge way that government systems can influence someone’s life is to just recognize that a lot of times these folks don’t have a lot of resources,” Hoaby says. “They’re not able to fund treatment themselves, so any way governments can step in and assist with that is huge.”
Governments also have a responsibility to consider how they speak about substance use, as it is “imperative to reduce shame and stigma around addiction.” Hoaby says this can be “by starting that conversation and educating people so they understand a concept that may be unfamiliar to them,” or by changing how they present such information and who they present it to.
“It can really happen to anyone,” she says. “It’s not just the people that you see living out on the streets — it can be doctors, lawyers, and all these people that society sees as prominent being affected by addiction as well.”
Even for those who have not yet taken the first steps towards recovery, there are still resources available that can protect their health. As the “drug landscape is always changing,” Hoaby insists to “always test your substances” if one does intend to use. There are locations that “promote harm reduction” through testing and other programs “like syringe exchanges, where you can get clean needles.”
“There’s just so many great programs out there that are helping people use more safely if that is their choice,” Hoaby says. “If that is something that you want to engage in, there are ways to do that, that reduce the harm that could potentially come to someone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year service for those facing mental and/or substance use disorders, and can help locate treatment near you. The Pride Institute can also be of help. Other resources can be found here.
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Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Ryan Adamczeski
