Alcohol

LGBT ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE:

 Alcohol use and abuse is one of the most common among the LGBT society. A study done by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence stated that about 15% of the American population abused alcohol. However studies have shown that in the LGBT community alcohol use and abuse is at a higher quantity. The alcohol abuse among the LGBT society is roughly occurring at 45% of the population.

Alcohol, like most other drugs used within the LGBT community is used as a method of coping with the discrimination, confusion and “secrets” kept throughout their lives. Alcohol being such a widely available substance is an easy drug to access and also to abuse, especially considering the lifestyles gays and lesbians lead.



In the LGBT society a lot of the recreational activities mainly take place at the bar or club scene. Gay men and women go to these public places to meet other gay men and lesbians and is a way of interacting with those of the same sex while feeling comfortable and accepted by those around you. Being in a bar or club setting causes one to want a drink just because of the overall setting and what is going on around you, and being in that type of environment very often may cause one to drink more frequently in and out of the bar/club scene.

Brisbane (2008) conducted a survey among LGB youth that showed that 89% of the LGB youth used alcohol with 34% using weekly. These statistics show a clear problem in the LGB community and show that they need to seek help. However the LGBT community research shows that they are less likey to seek help right away because of the fear of being looked at differently and a fear of the doctors being unable to handle “LGBT issues”.

Any user should be looked at equally in society despite their sexual preference. Showing the LGBT society that we as the heterosexual society are open and accepting of them could drop the use of alcohol among them drastically. If they felt as though they had someone to turn to, they may turn to others instead of a bottle.