In the state of Iowa, there are rehab centers that welcome members of the LGBTQ community to receive treatment for substance use disorders.
These treatment facilities have counselors who understand the unique challenges of LGBTQ individuals as they relate to alcohol and drug addiction.
They also offer treatment methods geared toward the unique health and mental health issues a LGBT-identifying person may experience in substance abuse treatment.
List Of LGBTQ+ Rehab Facilities In Iowa
Each drug rehab center below offers substance abuse treatment for adolescents who are either questioning or have a sexual orientation in the LGBTQ spectrum.
1. Orchard Place, Des Moines, Iowa
At Orchard Place, a recovery center in Des Moines, IA, adolescents (including LGBTQ and questioning adolescents) can receive a variety of mental health services.
These include substance abuse treatment and prevention services.
They offer evidence-based therapeutic modalities, outpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and aftercare.
The facility has many positive testimonials from former clients and a 4.4-star rating on Google.
Location and contact information:
808 5th Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-2267
2. YSS, Ames, Iowa
The Youth & Shelter Services (YSS) recovery center offers treatment for adolescents experiencing a substance use disorder.
This organization welcomes LGBTQ adolescents for addiction treatment and co-occurring mental health disorders.
YSS offers the following treatment services:
- residential treatment
- gender-specific treatment
- family-integrated treatment and family therapy
YSS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and is a member of United Way.
They also have a 4.7-star rating on Google.
Location and contact information:
420 Kellogg Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 233-3141
Prevalence Of Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Community
Rates of substance abuse are high among those who express a sexual identity in the LGBTQ spectrum.
For example, young adult transgender individuals are about five times more likely to use illicit drugs than young adults in the general population, according to one study.
In 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that gay and bisexual individuals had an illicit drug abuse rate of about 50%.
Factors That Influence Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Population
There are many factors that influence substance use among LGBTQ people that people in the general population do not experience, or at least not in the same way.
For example, people often use drugs or alcohol to cope with dysfunctional family relationships.
But transgender or LGB individuals can often experience hostility from family members that is specifically related to their gender identity.
Other factors can include:
- generalized homophobia
- discrimination at work
- feelings of isolation or lack of community
What To Look For In A LGBTQ+ Drug Rehabilitation Program In Iowa
Some states do not have a lot of options for LGBTQ treatment programs, so you may have to settle for an addiction treatment center that is simply open to LGBTQ.
An addiction treatment center like this will at least have important treatment approaches that apply to everyone.
Especially important for Iowa LGBTQ are detox services which the two drug rehab centers listed above do not provide.
These treatment approaches can include:
- intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- residential treatment
- cognitive-behavioral therapy
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- partial hospitalization
- dual diagnosis treatment for mental health issues (co-occurring disorders)
- LGBTQ-specific healthcare or medical advice
- support groups
- group therapy
- family therapy
- sober living
FAQs For LGBTQ+ Rehab Facilities In Iowa
If you still have questions about LGBTQ rehab centers in Iowa, consult the FAQs below.
What Is The Most Common Type Of Addiction Among LGBTQ?
Marijuana and alcohol abuse are common substance use disorders among LGBTQ.
What Kind Of Treatments Can I Expect In A LGBTQ Rehab Program?
You can expect evidence-based treatments (therapy), MAT, and counseling that addresses LGBTQ needs.
Is LGBTQ Rehab Inpatient Or Outpatient?
It can be both, depending on the severity of your substance abuse and your individual needs.
Find LGBTQ+ Addiction Recovery Programs In Iowa
If you are LGBTQ and experiencing drug addiction, such as opioid use disorder or alcohol abuse, you do not need to quit alone. There are rehab centers that can help with your recovery.
Call our helpline today, and we will give you or your loved one confidential help to find a rehab center that fits your needs and will get you started on recovery.
Article resourcesAddiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health — Review: Prevalence of Addictions among Transgender and Gender Diverse Subgroups
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8393320/ - National Institute on Drug Abuse — Substance Use and SUDs in LGBTQ* Populations
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbtq-populations - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual (LGB) Adults
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt31104/2019NSDUH-LGB/LGB%202019%20NSDUH.pdf - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Find Treatment
https://findtreatment.gov/