In the world of recovery, there are many different kinds of treatment and rehabilitation centers that cater to the various communities in today’s society. For many years there were treatment centers that were strictly men’s programs, or women’s program, some specializing in eating disorders, dual diagnosis, or sex and love addiction. But what about the LGBT (Lesbian gay bisexual transgendered) community? Studies have shown that LGBT individuals are two to three times more likely to experience drug addiction than heterosexuals. This in part can be due to the shame or discrimination that many gays and lesbians endure throughout the process of their lives. Luckily state of the art gay friendly drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and sober livings are popping up all over the country, providing a safe haven for the LGBT community.
One of the most important aspects in treatment is making sure that the client feels safe in their environment. In return this allows for the client to feel comfortable being open and honest with their feelings throughout the recovery process. Traditional drug and alcohol programs where the majority of the population is heterosexual can make members of the LGBT health community feel reluctant to share and open up about private and personal information from their past. This in part can be due to past experiences where they may have endured various forms of homophobia, prejudice, and judgment. Studies have shown that in these facilities condescending remarks and judgmental attitudes from heterosexual patients and/or staff members can stunt a person’s growth and prevent them from learning as much as possible from their treatment experience. In addition, sometimes the professionals working in treatment centers do not have personal experience or extensive knowledge in regards to certain aspects and issues of the gay community. This can cause a disconnect between the professional and the client, leaving the client unwilling to fully engage in their recovery.
Throughout their lives, many gays and lesbians have had difficult experiences regarding homophobia and discrimination. This can cause various forms of shame and depression and may have been the catalyst of what caused them to turn to drugs or alcohol in the first place. It seems that the best method for treating addiction is by participating in a treatment plan that is as complimentary to the person’s own personal lifestyle. It is important that LGBT individuals are able to make friends and contacts with other sober gay and lesbians so that they may create a support team of peers that fully understands them. Treatment centers that cater to the gay and lesbian community provide clients to see and understand that their sexual orientation is nothing to be ashamed of but rather something to embrace. These facilities provide a safe atmosphere where they can feel comfortable to be open and honest, giving them maximum potential to be successful in leading a happy, sober, and substance free life.
LGBT Resource Links:
LOS ANGELES, CA
Gay and Lesbian Center
www.laglc.org
1625 Schrader Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.993.7400
APLA (Aids project Los Angeles)
www.apla.org
611 South Kingsley Drive
Los Angeles CA 90005
213.201.160
Van Ness Recovery House
1919 North Beachwood Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
323.463.1191
Rainbow Bridge Community Service / Franks House
www.rainbowbridgecommunityservices.org
2530 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles CA 90027
323.660.2670
McIntyre House
www.mcintyrehouse.org
544 N. Kenmore Ave
Los Angeles CA 90004
La Fuente Sober Community
www.lafuentehollywood.com
323.464.2947
Bridge Sober Living
www.bridgeatmiraclemile.com
323.935.2044
The Tweakers Project
www.tweakersproject.org
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Pride Institute
www.pride-institute.com
14400 Martin Dr
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952.934.7554
All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church
www.agcmcc.org
3100 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612.824.4609
Park Avenue House / Grand House
www.sobermn.com
3112 Park Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55407
612.879.5080
612.290.3091 Grand House
612.205.7124 Park Ave House
Aliveness Project
www.aliveness.org
730 East 38th St
Minneapolis MN 55407
612.822.7946
Minnesota AIDS Project
www.mnaidsproject.org
1400 Park Avenue S
Minneapolis MN 55404
612.341.2060
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Westside Community Services
www.westside-health.org
1153 Oak Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415.431.9000
NorCal Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.norcalcma.org
415.835.4747
New Leaf Services
www.newleafservices.org
103 Hayes Street
San Francisco CA 94102
415.626.7000
The Center
www.sfcenter.org
1800 Market St
San Francisco CA 94102
415.865.5555
AIDS Health Project
www.ucsf-ahp.org
415.476.3902
1930 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dimensions Clinic
www.dimensionsclinic.org
415.934.7789
3850 17th St
San Francisco CA 94114
Gaylesta
www.gaylesta.org
510.433.9939
584 Castro Street #230
San Francisco CA 94114
Homeless Youth Alliance
www.homelessyouthalliance.org
1696 Haight St
Stop AIDS Project
www.stopaids.org
415.575.0747
207 Sanchez Street
SanFrancisco CA 94114
Outlet – LGBTQ Youth Services
Bilingual Spanish Language Services
www.projectoutlet.org
711 Church Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
CHICAGO, IL
Center on Halsted
www.centeronhalsted.org
3656 N Halsted
Chicago IL 60613
773.472.6469
Living With Pride
www.livingwithpride.com
2543 W. Cullom
Chicago IL
60618
livingwithpride@livingwithpride.com
Valeo at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital
www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com/glbt
4840 N Marine Drive
Chicago, IL 60640
800.888.0560
Chicago House
www.chicagohouse.org
773.248.5200
1925 N Clybourn Ave
Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60614
Howard Brown Health Center
www.howardbrown.org
4025 N Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613
773.388.1600
Aids Foundation of Chicago
www.aidschicago.org
200 West Jackson Blvd
Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60606
312.922.2322
Better Existence with HIV
www.behiv.org
1244 W Thorndale
Chicago IL 60660
773.293.4740
Bonaventure House
www.bonaventurehouse.org
825 West Wellington Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
773.327.9921
Aids Care Chicago
www.aidscarechicago.org