3 Virginia LGBTQ-Friendly Drug Rehab Centers

The term LGBTQ is used to describe people who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or queer.

Statistical trends show that LGBTQ+ people are more susceptible to developing a substance use disorder (SUD) than their heterosexual, cisgendered contemporaries.

There are several LGBT-Friendly rehab centers in Virginia that provide specialized treatment services to meet the needs of clients in the LGBT population.

Some of these services may include behavioral therapy, sexual orientation and gender identity counseling, evidence-based treatment programs, and more.

List Of LGBTQ+ Drug Rehab Centers In Virginia

The Virginia rehab centers in the list below were selected for their welcoming and inclusive policies toward LGBTQ people, their accreditation status, and other notable accolades.

1. Pulaski Medical, Pulaski, Virginia

Here, adults in the LGBTQ+ community can benefit from a full continuum of healthcare services, which include gender-specific and evidence-based treatments.

Substance abuse treatments available at Pulaski Medical may include:

• outpatient treatment
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone, buprenorphine, and more
• long-term recovery planning
• treatment for mental health issues
• detoxification services
• clinical evaluation and assessment
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• motivational enhancement therapy
• motivational interviewing
• case management services

Notable features of this treatment facility include:

• accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
• partnership with the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
• certification by the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH)
• a 4.1-star Google rating

2. Recovery Unplugged (RU) – Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center, Annandale, Virginia

At RU, LGBTQ people may benefit from an array of evidence-based services catered to their unique needs.

Drug and alcohol rehab services available at this addiction treatment center include:

• medical detoxification
• MAT
• counseling for sexual identity and gender identity issues
• supportive and inclusive behavioral health programs
• inpatient and outpatient treatment
• long-term programs
• alumni support and aftercare
• treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders

This treatment facility features accolades such as:

• LegitScript certification
• accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• the Joint Commission accreditation
• a 5-star Google rating

3. Richmond Behavioral Health, Richmond, Virginia

This drug and alcohol rehab center in Richmond, VA provides members of the LGBTQ+ community with an array of substance use treatment services.

Treatment options at this facility include:

• outpatient psychotherapy
• alcohol and opioid detox
• inpatient treatment
• sober living homes
• MAT
• primary care services
• gender-specific treatment programs
• peer support
• case management

This rehab center features licensing from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (V-DBHDS) and positive client testimonials.

Frequency Of Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ people often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges. For this reason, those that identify as LGBTQ are at an increased risk for mental and behavioral health disorders and drug addictions.

A 2018 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that over 37 percent of LGBTQ people reported marijuana use, as opposed to 16 percent of the general population.

Additionally, over 12 percent of young adults in the LGBTQ+ community have admitted that they abuse alcohol, while only 10 percent of non-LGBTQ adolescents say the same.

Factors That May Influence Substance Use In LGBTQ People

There are many variables and factors that may negatively influence the frequency of drug and alcohol use in the LGBTQ+ community.

Contributing factors may include:

• societal pressure
• homophobia
• relationship difficulties
• discrimination in the workplace
• religious discrimination
• lack of affordable healthcare programs and services
• a genetic disposition to substance use
• marketing practices from bars, clubs, and other businesses

What To Look For In A LGBTQ+ Drug Rehabilitation Program In Virginia

Addiction treatment programs in Virginia that address the needs of LGBTQ people may feature many different research-based or holistic treatment services.

Treatment methods for alcohol and drug addiction that may benefit LGBTQ+ people:

• detox services
• drug and alcohol addiction counseling
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
• partial-hospitalization programs (PHP)
• inpatient and outpatient treatment
• aftercare services
• intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• long-term recovery planning
• treatment for mental health disorders
• therapy for transgender people
• behavioral therapy
• residential treatment
• gay-friendly group therapy programs
• sexual identity education and counseling

Find A LGBTQ Rehab Center Today

If you or a loved one is in search of LGBT-friendly addiction treatment, call our helpline today to discuss enrollment at a rehab center near you.

Published on August 12, 2022

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff