Where Do I Find a Gay Drug Rehab?
January 6, 2008
I recently received a call from a man who was interested in locating a gay drug rehab. He and his partner were planning a wedding and thought it would be a good idea to get clean and sober before going any further with their lives. After a few weeks in a gay drug rehab and, they agreed that the work they accomplished benefited them as a couple and as individuals. They felt ready to begin the next chapter in their lives.
I offer this example because it is so different from what I usually see. In my intervention work I have found—whether they are lesbian, gay, or straight—that very few people in a relationship with a drug addiction or alcohol addiction seek addiction treatment prior to getting married. Most continue with their drug addiction and alcoholism in denial and hoping things will get better. Needless to say, things rarely get better as the drug addiction or alcoholism becomes more progressive.
It is difficult to move forward in any relationship when drug addiction or alcoholism are present as communication begins to break down, drug use becomes the priority and depression, anger and resentment are all common place.
Gay Alcohol Abuse and Gay Alcohol Dependency
January 5, 2008
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Gay alcohol abuse and gay drug addiction is a problem for far too many gay Americans. Whether it is inherited or society related, drug addiction and gay alcohol addiction cause tremendous damage to those people that come in contact with the drug addict or alcoholic. Fortunately, there are gay alcohol rehab programs and drug rehab centers across the country that assist addicts, alcoholics and their families with the process of alcoholism treatment and drug addiction treatment.
Different Gay Alcohol Rehab Approaches
Different gay alcohol rehabs and drug rehab programs take different approaches, but the philosophy is usually the same – if you are suffering from alcohol abuse and can not manage to control your drinking, you are probably alcoholic.
Most quality alcohol rehab programs use medications to help the alcoholic and addict manage their alcohol withdrawal or drug withdrawal. Alcohol detox generally takes between five and seven days, depending on how much alcohol you were drinking, how frequent and a variety of other factors. Alcohol detox should take place in a medically monitored alcohol detox unit, within the alcohol rehab program.
Finding An Effective Addiction Treatment Program
December 20, 2007
What are the steps to finding an effective addiction treatment program?
1. If you have health insurance provided through your employment or a family member, call to find out if your insurance includes addiction treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction. Be sure to check the specifications of what it covers (i.e. type of addiction treatment program, length of carein the addiction treatment program, etc.), whether you are responsible for co-payments and/or deductibles at the addiction treatment program, and if there are limits on your insurance reimbursement (how much you will get back from your insurance company).
If you don’t have health insurance, contact your state substance abuse agency, as they can help you access addiction treatment. Another option is to call the Addiction Treatment Referral Helpline operated by Recovery Connection 1-800-< strong>511-9225. Some addiction treatment programs may be willing to work with you on a payment plan, or help you find other means of support.
Drug Addiction: The Gay and Lesbian Family
October 12, 2007
Most of us can atleast imagine the challenges the gay, lesbian addict or alcoholic must encounter growing up in a heterosexual world. The discrimination, prejudice and judgemental attitudes of those they come in contact with usually lead to a life built upon shame. It is no wonder drug addiction and alcoholism is so prevalent among the gay, lesbian and bisexual community. That being said, what about the challenges their heterosexual parents face. Their hopes and dreams that are built upon the belief that their children will one day experience dating and marriage as they know it and have children are shattered. In many cases, they blame themselves for being “bad” parents and play the role of the victim, while others lash out and blame their children’s choices on their drug addiction or alcoholism and call them confused.
Parents,Their Gay Children and Coming Out
Many gay people hide or deny their sexual preference during their early years and end up turning to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with their feelings. Once they enter a drug rehab or addiction treatment center for their addiction or alcoholism and enrol in the family program, they may be encouraged to be honest with their parents regarding their sexual preference. One would think parents would love and respect their children regardless of their drug addiction, any disability they may have or sexual preference. I think it is safe to say that most parents find it easier to show a child with a physical or mental handicap unconditional love, than a child whose sexual preference is outside the realm of their heterosexual world. When a parent discovers their son is gay or their daughter a lesbian for the first time, denial and anger are the initial feelings, generally followed by fear.
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