LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. It is a term that describes a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Statistics show that LGBTQ+ people are at much higher risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) than those in the general population.
To help address substance abuse in people who identify as LGBTQ+, the state of Massachusetts offers addiction recovery services geared towards the specific needs of LGBTQ+ people or their loved ones.
Evidence-based treatment services may include dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, detoxification, gender-specific treatment, counseling, and more.
List Of LGBTQ+ Drug Rehab Centers In Massachusetts
Our team has compiled the following list of LGBTQ+ drug rehab centers in Massachusetts. Treatment programs were chosen based on their qualifications and services offered.
Marks of quality include:
- accreditations earned
- high Google ratings
- positive testimonials from past clients
- licensure and certifications
- treatment services specific to LGBTQ+ people
1. Bedrock Recovery Center (BRC), Canton, Massachusetts
Bedrock Recovery Center is a behavioral health facility in Canton, MA. The inpatient and outpatient treatment programs here offer specialized programming for LGBTQ+ people.
Drug and alcohol treatment options at BRC may include:
- medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid drug addiction
- residential treatment
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- medically monitored detox
- group therapy
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Services which may be tailored specifically to people who are LGBT include gender-specific therapy, rehab programs for pregnant women, and others.
This treatment facility is backed by dual accreditation from the Joint Commission as well as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Location and contact information:
1 Meadowbrook Way
Canton, MA 02021-2496
(855) 560-6629
2. Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC), Needham, Massachusetts
Here, LGBTQ+ people can find gender-specific outpatient group therapy programs that are centered around addiction-related topics.
People with gender identities outside the norm can receive individualized attention including partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and dual diagnosis treatment.
Top features of GBAC include Joint Commission accreditation as well as LegitScript certification.
Location and contact information:
322 Reservoir St.
Needham, MA 02494
(877) 926-3034
Prevalence Of Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Community
In general, members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to use alcohol and drugs than their heterosexual counterparts.
Statistics show that 25 percent of the gay and transgender population abuse alcohol, while only five to ten percent of the general population abuses alcohol regularly.
Additionally, gay men are more than 12 times more likely to use amphetamine drugs, and nine times more likely to use heroin.
Factors That Influence Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Population
There are several factors that may contribute to the prevalence of substance abuse among LGBTQ+ people.
Risk factors may include:
- workplace discrimination
- housing discrimination
- homelessness
- lack of affordable or competent healthcare services
- marketing practices from bars, clubs, and restaurants
- co-occurring psychiatric disorders such as bi-polar disorder or depression
- minority stress due to societal prejudice against the gay and transgender population
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- a past history of substance use
- a genetic disposition to addiction
These risk factors may be exacerbated if a person is living in an environment where drugs and alcohol are misused.
What To Look For In A LGBTQ+ Drug Rehabilitation Program In Massachusetts
If you or a loved one are in need of a rehab program that specializes in LGBTQ+ people, you may be wondering what specific treatment methods to look for.
Drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs should be aware of the unique experiences of LGBTQ individuals to provide effective treatment.
Some of the most effective treatment services for LGBT people include:
- motivational interviewing
- social support therapy
- detoxification
- inpatient treatment
- co-occurring disorder care
- relapse prevention services
- family therapy
- support groups for transgender individuals
- treatment for mental health issues
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- aftercare services
Treatment plans for people in the LGBTQ+ community should address issues such as homophobia, transphobia, family problems, social isolation, as well as physical or emotional trauma.
FAQs For LGBTQ+ Rehab Facilities In Massachusetts
Finding a reputable treatment program for LGBTQ+ people can be stressful, but help is available. The information below may help you find a rehab facility that works for you.
Do LGBTQ+ Treatment Facilities Offer Gender-Specific Services?
Some rehab facilities may offer men-only or women-only addiction recovery services, but not all will.
Read more about gender-specific rehab centers for men and women.
Are There LGBTQ+ Rehab Programs In Massachusetts For Teens And Adolescents?
Yes, there are treatment centers in Massachusetts specifically geared towards teens with substance use disorders.
Can A Rehab Center Discriminate Against Me For Being LGBTQ+?
No reputable drug and alcohol rehab center will deny access to a person due to gender identity, sexual identity, or sexual orientation.
However, not all rehab facilities offer treatment programs tailored specifically to the needs of people who identify as LGBTQ.
What If I Can’t Afford A LGBTQ Addiction Treatment Center?
If you can’t afford to pay out of pocket or you don’t have access to private health insurance, you can cover the cost of treatment using health insurance programs such as Massachusetts Medicaid or Medicare.
Find A LGBTQ Rehab Center Today
Call our helpline today for more information about addiction treatment providers that offer LGBTQ friendly rehab services in Massachusetts.
Our team can assist you or your family member in finding the substance abuse treatment services you need to reach long-term sobriety.
Published on August 9, 2022
Addiction 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.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Substance use and SUDs in LGBTQ* Populations
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbtq-populations - National Institute of Health (NIH) — The Relationship Between Discrimination and Substance use Disorders Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the United States
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2937001/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Find treatment
https://findtreatment.gov
