Adults and adolescents who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation tend to face complex issues and stressors.
These issues can make them more likely to turn to drug or alcohol abuse as a result.
Because of this, it is becoming more and more possible to find rehab centers that tailor treatment specifically to members of this community or offer specialized programs within their facilities.
Treatment services at LGBTQ+ substance abuse rehab centers in Mississippi can include medical detoxification, behavioral therapy, family therapy, HIV/AIDS testing, and more.
LGBTQ+ Drug Rehab Centers In Mississippi
This LGBTQ+ addiction treatment center in Mississippi is reputable and features marks of quality care, including partnerships with well-known organizations and positive reviews.
Biloxi VA Medical Center, Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi VA Medical Center is an outpatient treatment facility in Biloxi, MS, that promotes the health, welfare, and dignity of veterans who also identify as part of the LGBTQ+ population.
In addition to drug addiction and alcohol treatment, this rehab center also provides:
HIV/AIDS testing and treatment
hormone therapy
psychological assessments for those interested in gender-confirming surgeries
Trusted features of quality care at this treatment center include:
- partnered with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- evidence-based treatments
- positive client testimonials
Location and contact information:
400 Veterans Ave
Biloxi, MS 39531
(228) 523-5000
How Common Is Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Community?
Substance use is far more common in the LGBTQ+ community than it is in the general population.
Even tobacco and nicotine are consumed up to 200% more among the LGBTQ+ population than among the heterosexual population.
Alcohol addiction is also common. Up to 25% of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals have a moderate to severe problem with alcohol dependency.
When it comes to illicit substances, amphetamines and heroin are the most popularly used drugs among LGBTQ individuals, both of which can lead to overdoses when misused.
Factors That Influence The Prevalence Of Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Community
LGBT people experience additional stressors throughout their lives that heterosexual people may not experience.
These stressors can affect all areas of life — work, home, school, and personal relationships.
Risk factors for LGBTQ+ people and substance abuse may include:
- fear of rejection or unacceptance
- sexual abuse
- past experiences with physical violence
- lack of support system at school or at work
- fear of judgment from health care providers or family members
- partying lifestyle
- pressure from peers to fit in
- an overall sense of loneliness or feeling like no one understands
What To Look For In An LGBTQ+ Drug Rehabilitation Program In Mississippi
Every person will be looking for different things in a rehab center, but people who are LGBTQ+ have additional considerations to make.
Comfort and safety are likely to be at the forefront of their minds as they choose a location.
In addition to a welcoming and sensitive environment, members of the LGBTQ+ should also ensure that the facility provides services proven to be effective for LGBT people in particular.
Some of the most effective treatment services for LGBTQ+ people include:
- trauma-informed therapy
- medical detox from drugs or alcohol
- life skills workshops and classes
- intervention services and support
- psychological assessments
- residential treatment
- sober or transitional housing with other LGBTQ+ community members
- psychological assessments
- assistance finding housing and employment
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring behavioral health or mental health issues
FAQs For LGBTQ+ Rehab Facilities In Mississippi
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about LGBTQ+ rehab facilities in Mississippi and what they offer.
What Levels Of Care Can I Find At LGBTQ+ Rehab Centers In Mississippi?
You can find multiple levels of care at LGBTQ+ rehab centers, including inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment.
Outpatient programs can sometimes be further broken up into intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP).
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Available At LGBTQ+ Rehab Centers?
Medication-assisted treatment can be a vital part of substance abuse treatment, especially for those with opioid or alcohol use disorders.
Not every treatment center offers this service, however, while some rehab centers specialize in this type of treatment.
How Do I Know If A LGBTQ+ Rehab Center Is The Right Choice For Me?
The best way to decide if a LGBTQ+ rehab program is the right choice is to visit the facility in person and meet the treatment providers.
If it has the treatment options you are looking for and the environment makes you feel safe, comfortable, and accepted, it may be a good fit.
Find A LGBTQ+ Mississippi Drug Rehab Center Today
If you or a loved one is in need of drug or alcohol rehab in Mississippi that is LGBTQ-friendly, there are numerous addiction treatment programs available.
Recovery is possible and just a phone call away — call our helpline when you are ready to get started or if you have any questions.
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.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health: Substance Use
https://www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/substance-abuse.htm - 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
