Why the Gay and Transgender Population Experiences Higher Rates of Substance Use
Many Use to Cope with Discrimination and Prejudice
It is estimated that between 20 percent to 30 percent of gay and transgender people abuse substances, compared to about 9 percent of the general population.
By Jerome Hunt | March 9, 2012
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2012/03/lgbt_substance_abuse.htmlOther issues that impact the overall equality and wellbeing of gay and transgender people, however, don't always garner as much attention.
Gay and transgender health is one of these issues. This issue brief examines the disproportionately high rates of substance use by gay and transgender people, which is a significant impediment to the health of this group. Although data on the rates of substance abuse in gay and transgender populations are sparse, it is estimated that between 20 percent to 30 percent of gay and transgender people abuse substances, compared to about 9 percent of the general population.
The stress that comes from daily battles with discrimination and stigma is a principle driver of these higher rates of substance use, as gay and transgender people turn to tobacco, alcohol, and other substances as a way to cope with these challenges. And a lack of culturally competent health care services also fuels high substance-use rates among gay and transgender people.
