GLBTS Addiction Treatment Programs

Within the world of treatment there are facilities that cater to particular groups of addicts or alcoholics. One such group, the Gay and Lesbian community, often referred to as GLBTS (Gay Lesbian Bi Tran-sexual) is often overlooked by treatment programs, thus making effective recovery for GLBTS patients very difficult. A new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that only 777 of 13,688 (6 percent) substance abuse treatment facilities across the nation (that were surveyed) offer special programs for gay and lesbian.

According to the study, federally funded treatment facilities are less likely to offer GLBTS focused programs than privately owned facilities - those treatment programs that are generally "for-profit". The study compared the different types of treatment centers regarding GLBTS:

• 7 percent of private (for-profit) programs offered GLBTS focused programs
• 2.6 percent of federally funded programs
• 5.5 percent of state facilities offered specialized services for gays and lesbians
• 5.8 percent of private non-profit run facilities offered these kinds of services

The study found that treatment facilities that focus on mental health, as well, were more likely to offer GLBTS programs. In fact, they are more than twice as likely (7.1 percent versus 2.3 percent). "People in substance abuse treatment come from diverse backgrounds and benefit from programs designed to meet their particular needs", said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "The treatment community needs to work with all segments of our society to ensure that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people, as well as, members of other underserved groups are afforded more opportunities for this kind of specialized care".

The first time an addict enters treatment is never easy. The more comfortable the environment is for the patient, the greater their chances for successful recovery.

Source:
Medical News Today