Recovery is difficult for everybody. There’s no denying it. One of the most important and beneficial things that we can do as friends and loved ones is to try our best to provide unrelenting support without passing judgment or placing the blame on the individual suffering from substance abuse disorder (SUD).
This becomes increasingly important when the affected individual is also a member of a marginalized and heavily discriminated against community such as those who identify as LGBTQ+. Studies suggest that these people are at a much higher risk of developing substance use disorder as they mature, making it critical that we all, regardless of our own personal identity, actively support them in their recovery.
In today’s article, we will be taking a close look at how we can best provide LGBTQ support in addiction recovery and assist them through the entire recovery process. We will also be exploring several actionable steps that all can take to be better and more supportive allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
What Does It Mean to Be an Ally?
Being an ally can most simply be thought of as being an active supporter and advocate for a historically marginalized community. This extends beyond being a passive or even silent supporter and involves consistent and decisive action that actively supports the lives and well-being of these communities.
One of the most common misconceptions of “being an ally” is that allies can only be those who are not members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves. This could not be further from the truth.
Countless members of the LGBTQ+ community are vocal advocates and allies for those with identities much different than themselves. It is through this constant support and togetherness within the community that they have been able to continually fight for and achieve more equal and equitable rights.
Supporting LGBTQ In Recovery
The intense marginalization of the LGBTQ+ community has led to a much higher frequency of substance use disorder than the rest of the population. According to a study on nationwide addiction rates, it was found that nearly 12% of the LGBTQ+ community state that they have a “significant problem” with drugs or alcohol.
4 Qualities of a Supportive Ally
Being a supportive and inclusive ally goes beyond simply supporting your friend or loved one on an internalized, interpersonal level. It also extends to a broader social context. Strong allies not only offer support to those in the LGBTQ+ community but actively advocate for their core issues and overall treatment.
1. Create a Safe Space
In order to do the work needed to successfully recover from something as serious and difficult as substance use disorder, it is important to have an environment that feels safe and supportive.
As a friend or close loved one of somebody suffering from SUD, it is critical that you do your best to always remind them that they are loved and valued by you. Successful safe spaces empower those in them to feel and embrace their true and authentic selves.
2. Learn the Terminology
One of the largest (and easiest) ways that you can show support for somebody that you love or care about in the LGBTQ+ community is by learning the proper terminology and preferred names for not only themselves but their identity and others as well. Doing your best to learn and remaining open to polite correction can go a long way toward making your loved ones feel more seen, heard, and valued.
This heightened sense of love and community can help them in virtually every aspect of the recovery process, and make the lifestyle changes that they are making far more likely to stick long-term. Additionally, it will just make them better about themselves and more loved on a daily basis.
3. Support Individual Needs
It is important to always center on the fact that all LGBTQ+ individuals are, at the end of the day, individuals. They are people with wide and varied wants and needs. As such, there are no “LGBTQ+ recovery strategies”, but rather recovery strategies that treat and focus on their innate individuality and craft a recovery plan accordingly.
That being said, it can be very beneficial to think about the intersectionality of their life and keep yourself open to new information about how you can best support them in their journey toward a healthy and sober life.
4. Find Relevant Resources
Another major way in which strong and supportive allies can help their friends and loved ones throughout their recovery from substance use disorder is by learning about some of the resources that are readily available. These resources can either be local to your community or available globally through the internet.
Having knowledge of major resources such as X and Y can really help your friend or loved one ever should need them during their recovery.
While these four qualities are a few of the largest and most encompassing aspects that make up a strong ally, it is always a good idea to try and learn and grow as a supporter of these marginalized communities. For additional information on how to be a strong ally and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, check out this free PDF from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Never Alone Recovery Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder or needs assistance in building a strong sober support network, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at 844-365-4445 for a free consultation to see how we can help you begin your journey toward long-term sober living, regardless of background.
Never Alone Recovery is an Indiana rehab facilitator with a team of dedicated, full-time addiction recovery consultants on staff who work around the clock to provide free drug rehab placement services and find insurance approved rehab options for those in need.
The mission of the Never Alone program is to offer support and unyielding compassion to those suffering from mental health issues and substance use disorder, as well as their loved ones, regardless of income or financial means.
In addition to this article, we have an extensive library of online resources and a 100% free online support group that meets weekly. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, remember that you’re never alone.
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