You may have noticed that we have a big substance abuse problem in our community and the research that exists continues to back that up. There are lots of reasons why people choose to use drugs such as issues of stigma, homophobia, HIV/AIDS, and not enough chemical-free alternative social activities. Although historically, it has been difficult to determine the extent of LGBTI substance abuse problems, available studies indicate that our community is more likely to use alcohol,
tobacco and other drugs than the general population, are less likely to abstain, report higher rates of substance abuse problems, and are more likely to continue heavy drinking into later life.
Why is Addiction Such a Problem?
It is important not to assume that homosexuality causes drug or alcohol abuse. When gay men, lesbians and bisexuals internalize society's homophobic attitudes and beliefs, the results can be devastating. Click here to read more.
Did you know….
...that Marijuana smokers experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Extended use is associated with anti-motivational syndrome, lung damage, and risk to reproductive systems.
...that Methamphetamine affects your brain. In the short term, meth causes mind and mood changes such as anxiety, euphoria, and depression. Long-term effects can include chronic fatigue, paranoid or delusional thinking, and permanent psychological damage.
...that Cocaine is addictive. Cocaine interferes with the way your brain processes chemicals that create feelings of pleasure, so you need more and more of the drug just to feel normal. People who become addicted to cocaine start to lose interest in other areas of their life, like school, friends, and sports.
... According to a study from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, over 15 million Americans admit to abusing prescription drugs. In 1998, seven percent of all drug arrests by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency was for diverting prescription drugs for illegal use. Ten years later, in 2008, nearly 40 percent of all drug arerests involved prescription drugs.