Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community on the Journey to Recovery
Affirming, person-centered care helps LGBTQ+ individuals navigate the challenges of substance use and recovery
Choosing to seek help for a substance use disorder takes courage, and taking the first step toward recovery isn't always easy. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, worries about being accepted or understood can make that decision even more difficult.
At Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH), we believe everyone deserves compassionate, affirming care. We offer person-centered care to help everyone take the next step toward recovery. No one should have to navigate substance use or mental health challenges alone.
Why LGBTQ+ individuals face greater risk
Research has repeatedly shown that LGBTQ+ individuals experience substance use disorders and mental health conditions at significantly higher rates than the general population.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, LGBTQ+ adults experience higher rates of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions than heterosexual and cisgender adults. In fact, LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely to use marijuana, opioids and alcohol as the overall adult population, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
These disparities are not caused by a person's identity. Instead, experts point to the chronic stress many LGBTQ+ individuals experience, including discrimination, harassment, social isolation and stigma.
For some individuals, substances become a way to cope with anxiety, depression or painful emotions, particularly if they do not feel safe expressing who they are or have not shared their identity with family and friends.
While data by county and state vary, national research makes it clear that this community faces unique behavioral health challenges.
Care that starts with respect
These findings underscore the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to welcoming, affirming care when they decide to seek help. At MCCMH, that commitment starts with creating an environment where every individual feels respected, supported and understood.
Our staff receives cultural competency training and is committed to providing person-centered, respectful care that honors each person's identity and experiences. Rather than expecting people to fit into a predetermined program, we focus on understanding their unique needs and helping them identify the services that will work best for them.
Treatment also isn't one-size-fits-all. Substance use programs often include group therapy, but when appropriate, individual counseling may also be available for those who are more comfortable in a one-on-one setting. Many programs also offer treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, recognizing that these challenges often arise together.
That same person-centered approach extends to recovery housing. Recovery housing can present unique challenges, particularly for transgender and nonbinary individuals, because many homes are designated as either male or female. Fortunately, more recovery homes are adopting inclusive practices and welcoming individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Recovery is about connection
One of the most important parts of recovery is knowing you don't have to do it alone. Isolation can make both mental health and substance use challenges worse, and finding someone who understands your experiences can make all the difference.
For individuals experiencing an immediate substance use crisis, the MCCMH Substance Use Engagement Center provides a safe, welcoming place to begin. This short-term intervention facility offers a supervised environment where individuals can stabilize, have a meal, take a shower, and talk with caring staff, including Peer Recovery Coaches who understand the recovery journey firsthand.
We also partner with Recovery Community Organizations, such as CARE of Southeastern Michigan and Live Rite Recovery Structured Corporation, which offer recovery meetings, art groups, yoga and other activities that help people build healthy, supportive relationships while maintaining recovery.
Taking the first step
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use and isn't sure where to begin, call MCCMH at 1-855-99-MCCMH (1-855-996-2264). Our team can help identify the services that best fit your needs, connect you with appropriate resources, or answer your questions. If you're not ready for treatment, attending a meeting through one of our Recovery Community Organization partners can be a meaningful first step.
While we primarily serve individuals in Macomb County, those needing mental health and substance use services can access similar community mental health agencies in their area.
No matter who you are, how you identify or where you are on your journey, we are here to help.
This content is made possible through our partnership with Macomb County Community Mental Health.
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