GLBT Community and Substance Use/Abuse: Annotated Bibliography
GLBT YOUTH & CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Marshal, M., Friedman, M., Stall, R., King, K., Miles, J., Gold, M., et al. (2008). Sexual orientation and adolescent substance use: a meta-analysis and methodological review. Addiction, 103(4), 546- 556. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02149.x.
This paper conducts a meta-analysis study on published literature on adolescent substance use and sexual orientation. Marshal et al (2008) processed 289 article abstracts down to 18 studies that met the authors’ criteria to analysis. The mean age of the sample teens was 18; various studies used ‘high-risk’ populations (such as prison, treatment centers, and homeless populations), high school and one study used children of Nurses Health Study. The study conclusion found that LGB youth were “on average, 190% higher than for heterosexual youth” to use substances (Marshal et al., 2008, p. 546). It was also discovered that bisexual adolescents were 340% and women 400% (Marshal et al., 2008, p. 546) more likely than heterosexual youth to report substance use. Marshal et al. (2008) also critique the methodological characteristics of this field of study. ‘Minority stress’ model is common conclusion in research to explain GLB substance use; Marshal et al. purposes amending the model to fit developmental mile stones.
Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E., & Hunter, J. (2008). Butch/Femme Differences in Substance Use and Abuse Among Young Lesbian and Bisexual Women: Examination and Potential Explanations. Substance Use & Misuse, 43(8/9), 1002-1015. doi:10.1080/10826080801914402.
Lesbian, bisexual, same-sex attracted and same-sex sexual experience women show higher tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol miss-use/abuse than their straight counterparts. Rosario et al (2008) also states that not all LB women report recent abuse and misuse of mild-altering chemicals. “Even after controlling for age, sexual identity, and social desirability, young butch women reported using marijuana more frequently than young femme women” (Rosario et al., 2008, p. 1002). Rosario et al. (2008) has two hypothesizes explain higher levels of misusage in butch identified women. First substance abuse is a “masculine” identified behavior. Secondly, “lesbians with a more butch self-presentation may experience higher levels of gay-related stressors (e.g., victimization, ridicule, [internalized homophobia]) due to their greater visibility as lesbian” (Rosario et al., 2008, p. 1003). The research findings conclude that “gender atypicality as a potential risk factor for substance use” (Rosario et al., 2008, p. 1011). Substance abuse prevention and intervention strategies need to target butch-identified females. The study has some limitations: data collected from New York City 76 young women ranging from the age of fourteen to twenty-one.
(2005). 'Coming-out' process related to substance use among gay, lesbian and bisexual teens. DATA: The Brown University Digest of Addiction Theory & Application, 24(6), 3-4. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
This study was conducted on 156 youths (14-21) involved in college organizations and GLBT originations in New York City. Data collected by intensive two-to-three hour interviews. They used Alcohol and Drugs Schdule, Nugesser Homosexual Attitudes Inventory, and 32-items Life Checklist for adolescents. Follow-up interviews happened at six month and year marks. The authors found that “GLB teens rely on alcohol and marijuana to ameliorate social anxiety and boost self-confidence when they first begin to participate in gay-related social and recreational activities” (‘Coming-out’ process, 2005, p. 3 ). Surprisingly, the study could not located a link between higher levels of substance use and “gay-related stress” (‘Coming-out process, 2005, p. 3). This however is not true to “non-gay-related stressful event” (‘Coming-out’ process, 2005, p. 3). Increased substance use was not found in reported childhood sexual abuse survivors according to ‘Coming-out’ process (2005). The obvious study limitation is the generalizability.
GLBT EXPERIENCES IN TREATMENT
Matthews, C., Lorah, P., & Fenton, J. (2006). Treatment Experiences of Gays and Lesbians In Recovery from Addiction: A Qualitative Inquiry. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 28(2), 111-132. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
This small study interviewed ten GL adults across the country with long-term abstinence from chemical dependency. Matthews et al (2006) develop several recommendations for mental health counselors of GLBTQ clients. First is to “be aware of your own attitudes and behaviors with respect to both addiction and sexual orientation” (Mattheews et al., 2006 p. 128). Other service recommendations included: “affirming and accepting both sexual orientation and addiction” (Matthews et al., 2006, p. 128), family of origin related issues and understanding GLBTQ related shame. An increase of awareness of sexual minority culture is another specific service recommendation: awareness of GLBTQ bar culture, and local healthy GLBT community activities/events. All ten interviewed people felted that there was a link between their addiction and sexual orientation. No one felt that their orientation caused their addiction; however, the interviewees felt both issues are deeply intertwined. Researchers also recognize the healing role of healthy, recovering, GL role models in the lives the interviewees. Interviewees recommend hiring more out counselors.
Eliason, M., & Hughes, T. (2004). Treatment Counselor's Attitudes About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Clients: Urban vs. Rural Settings. Substance Use & Misuse, 39(4), 625-644. doi:10.1081/JA-120030063.
This study examines both urban (Chicago, IL) and rural (Iowa) chemical dependency professionals’ experiences, viewpoints, knowledge and education around LGBT clients. Researchers used surveys to collect the data. Findings suggest that urban areas do not have greater knowledge of possible GLBT individual’s specific needs than rural areas (Eliason & Hughes, 2004). Even though Chicago-area professionals have more training, professional and personal experiences within the GLBT community. Eliason and Hughes (2004, p. 627) identify specific uniqueness of the GLBT minority: being a member of a “often despised minority”, “stress associated with managing a minority identity”, cultural importance of bar life, loss of community and family of origin, internalized homophobia or transphobia, legal rights, religion institutions, and media stereotypes. The study researchers conclude that that often taught “equal treatment” model excludes the cultural differences. Possible solution is agencies need to develop policies to promote GLBT awareness, protection and increase of overall cultural competency.
Lesbians Substance Use and Abuse
Parks, C., & Hughes, T. (2007). Age Differences in Lesbian Identity Development and Drinking. Substance Use & Misuse, 42(2-3), 361-380. doi:10.1080/10826080601142097.
Past research has long noticed that lesbian women drink at higher rates than heterosexual women. Alcohol abuse has been linked as a coping mechanism to internal/external homophobia, social focus on the bar scene, and stress related to “coming-out” process. Parks and Hughes (2007, p. 375) found that there is “modest yet robust association with alcohol consumption-related problems” and sexual identity disclosure (both level of disclosure and age of disclosure) in Chicago area Lesbians. Research data also found that “levels of risk vary for women of different social eras” (Parks & Hughes, 2007, p. 375). Younger women and all women in early stages of “coming-out” process have a higher risk of “negative alcohol use outcomes” (Parks & Hughes, 2007, p. 375). Parks and Hughes (2007, p. 375) recognize the need of “safe heavens.” This study used past data collected from the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women.