Coming out as transgender takes a lot of bravery. In some cases, coming out to friends or family can be disheartening due to the reactions they may have. Most studies show that nearly 30% of transgender people have substance abuse problems due in part to the alienation they feel. This statistic is staggering due to the fact that only 9% of the general population has a substance abuse problems.
At Odyssey Center, we are passionate about training people to become certified addiction counselors. Without these counselors in the world, it will be difficult for people from all walks of life to get the help they need to overcome addiction.
Types of Addictions Prevalent in the LGBT Community
In order to treat the high levels of substance abuse in the LGBT community, a counselor will first have to understand what types of substances are being used. The use of tobacco products in the LGBT community is nearly 200% higher than it is among heterosexuals. As for drug and alcohol abuse, nearly 25% of the LGBT community claim to use these substances to cope with the stresses they feel. When it comes to drug treatment options for transgender people, the options are surprisingly limited. Many drug treatment professionals have little training dealing with this part of the population and as a result make the transgender person feel even more alienated.
The experienced instructors at Odyssey Center provide hands-on training when it comes to dealing with members of the LGBT community who have addiction problems. We work to ensure the licensed addiction counselor students we teach have the tools they need to treat anyone who comes to them for help.
Possible Factors That Contribute to Drug Use in the Transgender Community.
One of the first things a certified addiction counselor has to do when trying to help a person with an addiction is finding the root cause for their drug use. Many speculations are made as to what causes a transgender person to use. Some of the possible triggers include:
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A lack of acceptance from society in general - The difficulty involved in getting healthcare as a transgender person
- Frequent exposure to drugs and alcohol
- Hiding their true identity from parents and loved ones
Feelings isolated that can result from being shunned by family members for being transgender can be very emotionally damaging. Rather than finding healthy ways to cope with these issues, some resort to using drugs and alcohol as an escape.
If you or a loved one is dealing with substance abuse issues, seeking out help from a certified addiction counselor is important. The main goal of the Odyssey Center is to provide a quality education for people looking to make a difference in the world of addiction counseling.