Can LGBTQ+ People Struggling with Drug Addiction Truly Break Free and Start Anew?

Can LGBTQ+ People Struggling with Drug Addiction Truly Break Free and Start Anew?

Have you ever seen an LGBTQ+ person feel trapped, like addiction has taken over their life and stolen their identity? For LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with drug addiction, it's not just about quitting substances, it's about reclaiming who they are, outside of the shadows of shame and stigma. Finding the courage to seek help can be daunting, especially when faced with societal stigma and self-doubt. But can LGBTQ+ people struggling with drug addiction truly break free and start anew? This is one question that deserves an answer. Let’s take a look at this topic to find what answer we get.

Drug Addiction is More Than Physical 

Drug addiction recovery for LGBTQ+ people requires more than getting through the physical withdrawal part of the process, it also involves healing their mind and wounded spirit. The mindset that started the queer person towards drug addiction must be replaced by a new mindset, a new way of thinking, and they will need to put people around them that will support this new mindset.

Drug addiction recovery is a spiritual process that needs to take place in the mind, heart, and soul, and they will have to rely on others to help them reach their goals. The support group of family and friends, a drug treatment program, or perhaps counseling, are the “tools” they will need to be successful on this recovery journey. Not to say that an LGBTQ+ individual could not persevere and make this journey alone because, although rare, it does happen, and I’m sure they would tell them in the end it would have been easier with support.

Can an LGBTQ+ Person Actually Break Free From Drug Addiction?

The term break an addiction is one that is used very often in the addiction world. Both LGBTQ+ people struggling with addiction and addiction professionals use it. The question is, is it really possible to break free from the addiction? If you do an Internet search, you’ll find that there are many thoughts on curing drug addiction for LGBTQ+ people. Queer people who have turned their backs on their drug addiction without relapsing would say yes. Others would argue that if they did, they never truly struggled with drug addiction in the first place. This is an argument that has gone on for years, and it will probably still continue for years to come. Even LGBTQ+ people who practice a 12 step program do recover in large amounts. For those queer people who have “broken” their drug addiction, it makes them feel good to know that. There is a sense of empowerment that comes with the thought of having overcome an addiction, especially drug addiction. Even so, what most of them would agree is that they have overcome their active addictions. If they were to relapse, it could be detrimental for them. If the LGBTQ+ individual is actually recovered from drug addiction, one use could undo years of progress.

The First Step to Overcoming Drug Addiction in an LGBTQ Individual

Developing an addiction to drugs or other substances isn’t a character flaw or a sign of weakness, and it takes more than willpower to overcome the problem. Using drugs can create changes in the brain, causing powerful cravings and a compulsion to use that makes sobriety seem like an impossible goal for an LGBTQ+ person. But recovery is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless the situation of an LGBTQ+ person seems or how many times they’ve tried and failed before. With the right treatment and support, change is always possible.

For many LGBTQ+ people struggling with addiction, the toughest step toward recovery is the very first one: recognizing that they have a problem and deciding to make a change. It’s normal for them to feel uncertain about whether they’re ready to start recovery or if they have what it takes to quit. If they’re addicted to a particular drug, they may be concerned about how they're going to find alternate ways to treat their cravings. Committing to sobriety for the LGBTQ+ person involves changing many things, including:

• The way they deal with stress.
• Who they allow in their life.
• What they do in their free time.
• How they think about themselves.
• The prescription and over-the-counter medications they take.

It’s also normal for them to feel conflicted about giving up their drug of choice, even when they know it’s causing problems in their life. Recovery requires time, motivation, and support, but by making a commitment to change, they can overcome their drug addiction and regain control of their life.

Where to Get Help for Drug Addiction

However an LGBTQ individual decides to undertake the journey to recovery, it's their choice. You can only make suggestions for them and guide their decisions. At Pride detox, your LGBTQ loved one’s addiction can stop forever, and they can regain their life. With a highly experienced and acclaimed addiction treatment team, we help LGBTQ+ people struggling with all forms of addiction. If you or your LGBTQ+ loved one is struggling with any form of addiction, we’re here to help in any way we can. Contact us today at 1-562-525-5501.