Small Fraction of Drug Rehabs Treat LGBTs

A recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that only a small fraction (6%) of substance abuse treatment facilities provide specialized services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and the majority of those are privately run. The study revealed that of 13,688 facilities surveyed, only 777 offered specialized treatment programs for LGBTs. Of that group, a comparison was made between private and federal or state programs. It was found that more privately owned facilities (7%) focused on LGBTs versus government programs (2.6%).

The Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Gays and Lesbians study (2010) was supported by data from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (2008). It was designed to measure the need for behavioral health programs for service providers and policy makers and is part of SAMSHA’s strategic initiative on data, outcomes, and quality. Some data suggest that anywhere from 20% to 30% of the LGBT population may suffer from substance abuse disorders, so more specialized programs that serve this community are indicated.

Details available at:http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1006225100.aspxhttp://oas.samhsa.gov/spotlight/Spotlight004GayLesbians.pdfRelated content:Adolescents Raised by Lesbians Found to Be Doing Just FineThe Facts About Violence Against Historically Disadvantaged Persons