Continuing Education At Home
Social Worker
Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support related to this CE program.
TRAINING
Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
This publication presents information to assist providers in improving substance abuse treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gender (LGBT) clients by raising awareness about the issues unique to LGBT clients. Sensitizing providers to these unique issues will, it is hoped, result in more effective treatment and improved treatment outcomes. Effective treatment with any population should be sensitive and culturally competent. Substance abuse treatment providers, counselors, therapists, administrators, and facility directors can be more effective in treating LGBT clients when they have a better understanding of the issues LGBT clients face. With this knowledge, treatment providers can reexamine their treatment approaches and take steps to accommodate LGBT clients.
Studies indicate that, when compared with the general population, LGBT people are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, have higher rates of substance abuse, are less likely to abstain from use, and are more likely to continue heavy drinking into later life.
