{"id":5668,"date":"2023-02-14T06:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T11:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lantanarecovery.com\/?p=5668"},"modified":"2023-07-21T00:00:33","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T04:00:33","slug":"supporting-an-lgbtqia-relationship-in-rehab-the-importance-of-an-affirming-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lantanarecovery.com\/supporting-an-lgbtqia-relationship-in-rehab-the-importance-of-an-affirming-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting an LGBTQIA+ Relationship in Rehab: The Importance of an Affirming Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"
Love is love. There is nothing unique about the love an LGBTQIA+ couple feels for one another. However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), LGBTQIA+ individuals struggle with rates of addiction<\/a> higher than the national average and the LGBTQIA+ communities experience distinct health disparities and inequities in health outcomes<\/a>.<\/p>\n Social stigma may contribute to these high rates of substance misuse and addiction. This blog post will explore ways to support an LGBTQIA+ partner in rehab. It will elucidate the importance of choosing an affirming environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community when selecting a rehab facility. With multiple case managers who are LGBTQIA+ themselves, Lantana Recovery<\/a> offers a variety of programs<\/a> that provide this affirming environment.<\/p>\n The first step to supporting an LGBTQIA+ partner in the throes of addiction is to educate yourself about the disease. Addiction is a serious illness that does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or anything else. For instance, some LGBTQIA+ people, after coming out, experience marginalization and homelessness due to rejection and discrimination from their family and community<\/a>.<\/p>\n Educate yourself on what it means to be addicted to substances and how this insidious illness affects every facet of life. Next, examine what rehab is and specifics about the withdrawal and detox process, therapy, and what it means to live a sober life.<\/p>\n Let your partner know you are there for them by staying in touch with them while they are in rehab. Many rehabs do not allow for the use of electronic devices. However, you can stay in touch over the landline phone they’re allowed to use, and be sure to attend visiting hours. It will be natural for your partner to wonder about the state of your relationship while in rehab. Reassure them that you’re there for the long haul by making every effort to reach out when you can.<\/p>\n Be sure to look after yourself during this process. You likely have strong emotions surrounding the experience of being in a relationship with someone who is addicted to substances. As a result, you may struggle with a lack of trust, fear for your partner’s safety, or depression over your partner’s condition. Be sure to practice self-care during your partner’s stay in rehab.<\/p>\n You may consider reaching out to your own network for support. There are many LGBTQIA+ community centers across the country that provide a safe environment to discuss these issues. Rely on friends or family to provide counsel and advice. Don’t isolate; your partner needs time to work on themselves and may not be able to fulfill key roles in the relationship.<\/p>\n A partner going to rehab is difficult, but it’s doubly difficult if you’re not “out” about your sexuality. The stress of this secret can contribute to the intensity of addiction.<\/p>\n Know that our society is becoming more accepting of LGBTQIA+ individuals. The recent bipartisan passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is evidence<\/a> of this.\u00a0<\/p>\n Internalized and externalized homophobia are very real phenomena that contribute to higher rates of substance abuse in the LGBTQIA+ community. Don’t allow the perceived stigma of being who you are to hijack your life. You are worthy of love and acceptance by all.<\/p>\nEducation About Addiction<\/h2>\n
Stay in Touch<\/h2>\n
Take Care of Yourself<\/h2>\n
Reach Out to Support<\/h2>\n
Are you out to your friends and family?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Participate in Family Therapy<\/h2>\n