Using to Numb the Pain: Substance Use and Abuse Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between heterosexist events, internalized homophobia, and substance use and abuse among 824 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Participants completed the Schedule for Heterosexist Events (SHE), Internalized Homophobia Scale (IHP), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). A MANCOVA with age as a covariate and sexual orientation as a cofactor indicated there were significant differences in how lesbians, gay males, and bisexuals experienced heterosexism and internalized homophobia. In particular, gay males and lesbians reported experiencing more heterosexism than bisexuals, and gay males and bisexuals reported experiencing more internalized homophobia than lesbians. Participants who were classified as having at least one alcohol or drug use disorder were significantly more likely to have experienced heterosexism and internalized homophobia than those who were not classified as having a substance use disorder. Implications for mental health counselors, counselor educators, and researchers are noted.

Specific Aspects of Minority Stress Associated With Depression Among LDS Affiliated Non-Heterosexual Adults

“…Notably, however, the existing body of research that explores differences between nonexclusive and exclusively same-sex attracted/identified populations is inconsistent. Some researchers, for example, have found that LG individuals experience greater conflict about their sexuality (Moore & Norris, 2005) as well as higher levels of IH than bisexually identified persons (Weber, 2008). Contrary to existing evidence that suggests bisexual individuals experience greater psychological distress than their LG counterparts (Jorm, Korten, Rodgers, Jacomb, & Christensen, 2002), our results did not demonstrate significant differences in depression scores between NSS attracted participants and those who identified as LG.…”

Moving Beyond CACREP Standards: Training Counselors to Work Competently with LGBT Clients

“…-Drug and alcohol use is caused in part due to internalized homophobia (Cheng, 2003). -Counselor education programs should address sexual identity development considering that acceptance of self is a contributing factor of substance use (Weber, 2008).…”

Latina Lesbian Students: Understanding their Experiences and Perceived Sexual Identity Development at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

“…It is estimated that sexual minorities use alcohol and drugs seven times more frequently than heterosexuals (Cochran, Stewart, Ginzler, & Cauce, 2002;Collins, Rocco, & Bryant, 2014;Gedro, 2014;Woodford et al, 2012). Having a drug or alcohol abuse disorder among sexual minorities has been closely associated to the negative experiences and climate they are exposed to (Weber, 2008 (Lee, 2015).…”