Common Questions For Finding An LGBT-Friendly Rehab Center

Members of the LGBT community should know what to expect from the search for a substance abuse treatment center. Some may prefer to enroll in a typical substance abuse treatment program, while others would feel more comfortable in a center that explicitly focuses on LGBT patients. One of the most important parts of recovery is the rehab process, and any person (regardless of sexual orientation) will not have a constructive rehab experience in an uncomfortable atmosphere.

It’s perfectly fine, if not necessary in some cases, for LGBT individuals to be picky when selecting rehab programs. The recovery experience is a personal issue, so it’s vital to thoroughly vet your options for LGBT-friendly rehab centers. Consider some of the following questions during your search for treatment and take your time to find a program that works for you.

Finding The Right Treatment

Once you have narrowed your search for a gay drug rehab center down to a few options, ask yourself what kind of representation you are looking for in a treatment center. Would you prefer to enter an LGBT-exclusive treatment center or one that is open to all patients? Don’t be shy about asking a treatment center about its eligibility or enrollment requirements.

You must also consider the type of addiction you’re addressing. If you’re an LGBT individual struggling with alcoholism, it’s vital to find a gay alcohol rehab that addresses the significant medical complications that can be caused by alcoholism. If you’re fighting an opioid addiction, the treatment center you select should have an impressive opioid detoxification program. Finding the right treatment center can be challenging when it comes to LGBT issues; it’s vital to find a program that fully addresses your addiction in a constructive and supportive atmosphere.

Medical Concerns

Some LGBT patients may have specific medical needs to address during rehabilitation. Medical assistance is crucial during the detox process, but some LGBT patients may require more extensive medical care. Do you have any specific medical needs that will require attention during treatment? Don’t be afraid to contact a potential treatment center to ask about its medical capabilities and staffing.

LGBT issues aside, it’s essential for anyone entering substance abuse treatment to find a robust program that provides a comprehensive continuum of care. A few decades ago, “recovery” meant a 30-day detox program before going back to work. This method of treatment is ineffectual and has a high relapse rate. Over time, this creates a cycle of rehab, addiction, and detox that takes a tremendous toll on the body.

Today, substance abuse treatment professionals know that more comprehensive care is critical to maintaining sobriety after rehab. Does your treatment center offer a relapse prevention program? This could include alumni support networks that put you in touch with other “graduates” to offer support and advice. Make sure whatever treatment program you select doesn’t end with rehab, and make sure their rehab program includes the types of counseling and therapies that will work for you. Do you prefer holistic treatment, or would you prefer something more clinical? Most treatment centers offer a blend of both, so find a program with the right balance.

LGBT Support

So you’ve found a treatment center with robust medical services, a comprehensive treatment program extending from detox to aftercare, and the enrollment requirements you prefer. Now investigate the treatment center and determine whether it supports the LGBT community in the way you would like to see. If you would prefer a facility with gender-neutral restrooms, find out if this center offers them. Does the company website convey genuine support for LGBT issues and policies? Research online or give them a call.

You may also want to call a potential treatment center to ask a few questions about any LGBT-sensitivity training the staff has received. Does the treatment center have confidence in the staff’s ability to handle LGBT cultural and health issues? How does the treatment center handle issues of confidentiality when it comes to patients’ sexual orientations? Make sure you feel comfortable with the culture of the treatment center before signing up for its services.

Why Does LGBT-Friendliness Matter In Rehab? 

Every LGBT person struggling with an addiction deserves the same level of care as anyone else, so it’s important to take the search for treatment seriously. A center may claim it supports LGBT-friendly policies but may not have the right type of treatment capabilities that your addiction requires. Others may have the most state-of-the-art treatments available but are not particularly sensitive to LGBT issues. It’s important to find balance, so take your time during your search.

Finding the right LGBT-friendly treatment center can help you recover more fully and with greater support than you may have expected. A robust alumni program can put you in touch with other LGBT individuals who have faced challenges similar to your own, and this can help you forge bonds and connections that will last a lifetime. Finding a supportive treatment program also lowers the risk of relapse, and rehab will help set the groundwork for sober living in the future.

About The Author:

Nicola Yap lives with her two cats Marcie and Lambert. When she isn’t writing blog posts, she’s probably playing video games or doing something as equally unproductive. She works as a media coordinator for Reflections Recovery Center, an all-male addiction treatment center located in the beautiful location of Prescott, Arizona. Visit their addiction recovery blog to learn more information about their services and programs.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an LGBT-Friendly Rehab

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