If you are part of the LGBTQ community, you most likely want to enroll in an LGBTQ-friendly drug rehab center. Although all drug rehab centers are going to provide many of the same standards of care, inclusivity is incredibly important.
Depending on your situation and your needs, it may be more beneficial to find an LGBTQ-friendly addiction facility that can help you on the road to recovery, especially given the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals regarding substance use and recovery.
In this post, we discuss what LGBTQ-friendly treatment is and its many benefits for those in recovery. We also explore how you can go about finding the right inclusive drug rehab center that improves your chances of long-term sobriety, including the importance of finding a safe place for recovery.
What is LGBTQ-Friendly Treatment?
If you are considering LGBTQ-friendly treatment for addiction, you can expect many of the same services that other treatment programs provide. The goal is still the same: to help you start your recovery journey and equip you with the skills you need to maintain a sober lifestyle. LGBTQ-friendly treatment centers offer personalized treatment plans for clients with diverse needs, ensuring that care is tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.
The main difference of an LGBTQ-friendly rehab program is the focus on inclusivity. This is a type of program designed for individuals in the LGBTQ community who may have specific recovery and mental health needs. They are often equipped to address co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorder, providing integrated care for those facing both challenges. The atmosphere is free of stigma and discrimination, allowing everyone to truly focus on addiction recovery.
Here are some of the main services and amenities you can expect if you enroll in LGBTQ-friendly rehab treatment:
- Outdoor activities
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy
- Life skills training
- Aftercare planning
- Relapse prevention
- Medically-supervised detox
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
- Sexual health support
- Co-occurring mental health treatment
Why Choose an LGBTQ-Friendly Drug Rehab Center?
Now that you know what LGBTQ-friendly drug rehab centers actually provide and what you can expect, why is this a good option? Depending on your personal identity and your recovery needs, finding an inclusive rehab center with a supportive environment may be a priority.
The good news is that inclusive drug rehab centers are much more accessible now and do not usually cost extra. You will have all the same amenities and services of traditional recovery programs with the added benefit of a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Here is a breakdown of some of the main reasons why an LGBTQ-friendly drug rehab center may be the best fit for you. These centers address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, including mental health, trauma, and social factors.
Holistic Approach
One of the main benefits of an LGBTQ recovery program is the holistic approach treatment usually takes. Holistic treatment recognizes that addiction is not a singular issue, but that it is usually connected to many other contributing factors. Because of this, holistic treatment prioritizes mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
This holistic approach can be incredibly helpful for those who have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. You can seek treatment for various issues in an inclusive environment so that you have a better chance of maintaining long-term recovery after your program has ended.
Safe Space
Some recovery programs are not inclusive and may not provide the right type of treatment you are looking for. LGBTQ-friendly programs prioritize sensitivity and provide a safe and affirming space where you can focus on recovery, supported by compassionate and understanding staff who are dedicated to meeting your unique needs.
Mental health and recovery professionals will provide you with support and assistance in a judgment-free way and without any discrimination. These centers also help individuals cope with rejection from family or society, addressing the emotional impact of such experiences with understanding and personalized care.
Specialized Treatment
Mental health and addiction professionals at inclusive drug rehab centers may be able to provide more specialized treatment. They will have experience in the LGBTQ community and can help you navigate specific challenges you may be facing. Specialized treatment programs address both substance abuse and substance misuse among LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizing the higher prevalence of these issues and the need for integrated care.
This full-person healing approach is essential for long-term recovery as it equips you with the skills and resources you need when you return to normal everyday life. These programs also consider the unique challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ community and emphasize the importance of addressing mental illness in patients.
Community Support
LGBTQ-friendly rehab programs have a strong focus on cultivating community support and accountability. That’s because no matter who you love or where you are in your recovery journey, peer support is essential for long-term sobriety.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community especially benefit from connecting with peers who understand their unique experiences and challenges. This can be especially important when it comes to navigating things like discrimination and stigma, as these programs help members heal and create new connections that foster emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
How to Choose an Inclusive Drug Rehab Center
Now that we have discussed all that there is to know about LGBTQ-friendly drug rehab centers, you need to take the next step of actually choosing a facility. Because there is such an abundance of rehab centers, it can be difficult to know which one is the right option.
Here are some things to consider before you decide on an inclusive rehab center:
Location
It is usually recommended that you enroll in a rehab center that is local to you. Although this is not necessarily a dealbreaker, it makes it more accessible, especially if you are enrolling in outpatient treatment.
Location is also crucial for building a strong family-group support system, as making friendships far away may be a difficult task. Are there others around you who share your views on gender identity? Or those with shared experiences you could network with?
Price
One thing you will need to decide is how you are going to pay for your inclusive recovery treatment. Different centers and programs have different prices, so you will need to evaluate this as well as decide on what payment option you will be using (such as insurance).
Amenities
Something to consider about the rehab centers you are looking at is the type of amenities they provide. These are things that will increase the comfort of your stay through things like outdoor areas, gourmet meals, specific types of therapy, private or semi-private rooms, and more.
Specialties
Certain rehab centers specialize in specific types of addiction, which will impact which center you choose. For instance, some centers specialize in cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, alcohol, or prescription medication addiction treatment, as well as centers that address illicit drug and drug use.
Programs
Aside from finding LGBTQ-friendly programs, you also want to consider the other aspects of what these programs provide. Some examples of this include dual diagnosis for mental health issues, medication-assisted treatment, multiple relapses, or detox programs.
Specialized programs that address substance use disorders, including those related to illicit drug and drug use, may be available in the Fresno, California area. For LGBTQ+ individuals seeking comprehensive and understanding treatment, this may be a powerful force for good.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient
A significant contributor to your recovery experience is whether or not the program is an outpatient or inpatient program. To decide on the best option, you need to examine your recovery needs, your living situation, your budget, and your relapse risk.
Guidelines and Certifications
Check if the center follows guidelines from the Mental Health Services Administration to ensure quality and inclusive care. You may also wish to search for commonly accepted third-party certifications such as CARF Accreditation for ASAM 3.7, 3.5, and 3.1.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today at The Lakes Treatment Center
No matter how you identify or your sexual orientation, finding the right drug rehab center that is inclusive is incredibly important for the success of your sobriety. Recovery is already a challenging process, and seeking treatment in the right space can help set you up for success.
At The Lakes Treatment Center, all of our addiction treatment programs prioritize inclusivity and a judgment-free atmosphere. Whether you are going through drug, medication, or alcohol addiction treatment, we have an LGBTQ-friendly program to fit your needs.
Are you ready to take that first step and join a drug rehab program to kickstart your recovery journey? Contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center to get started.
