Resources Self-Assessment How Pride Institute Can Help

Drug abuse refers to the non-medical use of drugs, both drugs that have and those that do not have generally accepted medical value. Almost all drugs that are subject to abuse have central nervous system (CNS) effects, producing changes in mood, levels of awareness or perceptions and sensations. Among drugs that are abused, some appear to be more likely to lead to uncontrolled use than others, suggesting a possible hierarchy of drugs that are likely to be abused.

Studies indicate that, when compared with the mainstream (heterosexual) population, LGBT people are more likely to use drugs, have higher rates of substance abuse, and are more likely to continue drug abuse into later life. Although LGBT people have been shown to use all types of drugs, certain drugs appear to be more popular in the LGBT community than in the mainstream community.

Gay men, for example, are significantly more likely to have used marijuana, stimulants, sedatives, cocaine, and “party drugs” (ecstasy, ketamine, and GHB) than men in the general population. The use of crystal methamphetamine in gay and bisexual men has increased dramatically in recent years and is discussed separately in another section of this website.

Few studies have looked at drug use in the lesbian community and there is subsequently little information on this population. What little information there is, however, suggests that drug abuse in lesbians occurs at higher rates than heterosexual women and could equal the rates of occurrence in gay men.

The following types of drugs are commonly abused by members of the LGBT community (excluding alcohol and crystal methamphetamine, which are discussed in another section of this website):

Stimulants most commonly used in the LGBT community include cocaine, crack, and crystal methamphetamine (see separate section of this website). The physiological effect of cocaine is similar to crack and crystal meth; but, cocaine metabolizes very rapidly and thus has a shorter duration of approximately 20-80 minutes compared to the 4-12 hour duration of crack and crystal meth. Desired effects of stimulants include anorectic effects, increased alertness, mood elevation, and increased sexual arousal.

Depressants frequently abused by LGBT people include xanax, valium, and alcohol (see separate section of this website). At low doses, depressant drugs relieve anxiety, at moderate doses they induce sleep, and at higher doses they cause anesthesia and eventually death.

Marijuana is abused by a large number of LGBT individuals. Inhalation of the smoke of a marijuana cigarette is followed within minutes by feelings of well-being, relaxation, and tranquility in most people. The individual who is normally apprehensive, depressed, or angry, however, may become more so under the influence of marijuana.

Party / Designer Drugs – ecstasy, ketamine, GHB – were originally used by gay and bisexual men who were participating in rave-like events called circuit parties (huge parties held all across the country forming a “circuit” of events attended by many of the same people who travel from event to event). In recent years, these drugs have transitioned to weekend dance clubs and other recreational uses. There is a wide range of motivations for involvement in party drugs and dance venues. Most participants suggested that their involvement related to increasing self-acceptance and the desire to belong to an accepted group.

Poly-Substance Abuse occurs when a person abuses several substances in a relatively short period of time. Using multiple substances is often an attempt to “enhance” the effect of a single drug to achieve a “higher” high. At other times, a drug will be used to counteract the effects of a previously-taken drug (sedatives, for example, are often taken when “coming off” stimulants).

Indications of a substance abuse problem may include:

  • Increased feelings of anxiety / agitation or depression
  • The development of extreme paranoia, often accompanied by delusional beliefs
  • Sleep disturbance as evidenced by either the inability to sleep (going for days on little or no sleep) or excessive sleep
  • Increasing tolerance that requires higher doses and/or more frequent use to achieve the desired effect
  • Withdrawal symptoms (tremors, body aches, nausea, headaches, etc.) when stopping use of the substance

Substance abuse can be successfully treated. Education, therapy, and social support grounded in the tradition of 12-Step philosophy are a few of the methods shown to be successful in combating drug addiction. PRIDE Institute has been helping LGBT people recover from drug abuse and dependence since 1986.

For More Information:

Self-Assessment

Drug / Substance abuse, regardless of which drug it happens to be, can lead very quickly to dependence. Oftentimes, dependence develops without the realization that it is occurring.

Do you wonder whether or not you have a problem with drug abuse? Here are five questions that may help you look at your using behavior.

Note: This self assessment is for information purposes only. It does not replace a formal evaluation by a medical or mental health professional.

  1. Have you noticed an increased tolerance to your drug of choice (needing more of the drug to get the same desired effect or feeling less effect with the same amount)?
  1. Do you experience withdrawal symptoms (body aches, tremors, nausea, headaches, etc.) after stopping use, or use to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms?
  2. Have you noticed a loss of control around your substance use? Are you using substances in larger amounts or for longer periods of time than you intended?
  3. Have you tried, with little or no success, to control you substance use (making efforts to cut down, having rules around use, and or bargaining with yourself to limit your use)?
  4. Has your time spent using substances increased (including getting the substance, using it, and recovering from its effects)?

If you use drugs and can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, you may benefit from taking a closer look at your use. We can help.

Call PRIDE Institute Information and Admissions at 800-54-PRIDE.

How PRIDE Can Help

Drug Addiction is a special problem for the LGBT community.

PRIDE Institute can help you recover from dependence on drugs and become the person you were always meant to be. It all begins by picking up the phone and asking for help.

Call PRIDE Institute Information & Admissions: 800-54-PRIDE.

Resources

The following links provide useful information on drugs and drug abuse:*

Call 800-54-PRIDE for a free assessment and for further information.

*Information on these sites is deemed reliable but is outside the control of PRIDE Institute.