MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF SIYAN CCBHC - JUNE 2023

June LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Did you know that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to engage in alcohol and drug abuse?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the LGBTQ+ community is characterized by higher rates of substance abuse and many continue heavy drinking into later life.

Maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse, are a way to cope with social stigma, discrimination, and other significant challenges they encounter. Yes, unfortunately, substance abuse becomes a means of escaping or numbing the pain, isolation, and rejection experienced by many LGBTQ+ individuals.

Of course, instead of healing, turning to drugs and alcohol worsens their issues.

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month - a tribute to the pivotal 1969 Stonewall riots. This momentous event, born out of a fight for equal justice and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) Americans, sparked a movement that continues to shape our society today.

This month, we’d like to celebrate the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community in their journey of recovery!

LGBTQ+ Substance Abuse Rates

25% of the gay and transgender population experience alcohol abuse, compared to 5-10% of the general population.

20 to 30% of the LGBTQ+ community abuses substances, compared to about 9% of the population.

Men who have sex with men are 3.5 times more likely to use marijuana recreationally and 9.5 times more likely to use heroin compared to men who do not have sex with men.

37% of sexual minority adults reported past-year marijuana use, which is higher than the 16.2% reported in the overall population.

Substance Abuse Risk Factors & Substance Abuse Treatment

LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges that can contribute to substance abuse and other types of addictions:

• Minority stress

• Discrimination

• Higher rates of mental health disorders

• Lack of support networks

• Rejection from family or peers

The stigma places the LGBTQ+ community at a higher risk for addiction. In addition, limited access to treatment and resources exacerbates behavioral health conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to support LGBTQ+ individuals in seeking addiction treatment when they need it the most.

Reach Out to Us for Personalized LGBTQ+ Addiction Recovery

Let's stand together in solidarity and take action to support the LGBTQ+ community in their journey toward recovery from addiction!

At Siyan, we’re dedicated to providing personalized support, comprehensive care, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals or anyone who needs our help on their path to recovery from substance abuse and addiction

Good Reads & Resources:

Positive Images Community Center

2023 Pride Weekend Events

SAMHSA Releases New Data on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Behavioral Health

Announcements

This monthly Recovery Newsletter is now a part of our new endeavor to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Program (CCBHC), funded by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Topics will range from addressing managing mental health as well as substance abuse. To learn more about Siyan becoming a CCBHC, please visit: https://siyanresearch.org/CCBHC/

If you or someone you love would like to schedule an evaluation to see whether you are a fit for the CCBHC program, please contact us at 707-206-7268 or email psychresearch@siyanclinical.com to enroll. We are accepting new patients and accept most insurances including Medi-Cal and Medicare for our CCBHC program.

Every conversation is confidential and we offer telehealth. One day at a time.

Sincerely,

The CCBHC Team

Disclaimer: This product was supported [in part] by grant number H79SM086652 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

SIYAN CLINICAL RESEARCH | [CCBHC]