A Discussion on Substance Abuse Counseling and Sexual Orientation

Alcoholism, dependence on drugs, and addiction, referred to as substance use disorder, are complicated problems. People living with these disorders at some point in life were thought to have defects in their character and moral weaknesses; to date, people still hold on to such thoughts. However, medical researchers and many scientists now regard dependence on drugs as a long-term illness like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension. Those who drink alcohol use very little, and they have the ability to stop once they decide. Nonetheless, a number of people develop substance use disorders like excessive use of alcohol and drugs that is dangerous and compulsive. Substance use disorders are illnesses that affect anyone: poor or rich, female or male, unemployed or employed, old and young and all races and ethnicity. While the causal effect is yet to be established scientifically, the chances of developing substance abuse disorder depends partly on culture, biological traits and lifestyle. The environment a person grows within, stress levels and psychological traits contribute greatly to the abuse of drugs and alcohol. According to scientific research, the excessive use of drugs for extended periods changes an individual’s brain in crucial, long-lasting ways. In lay terms, it causes a switch in the brain to flip.

The point that causes permanent damage is different for every person but once this level is attained, the person becomes dependent on these substances. Therefore, people who begin using drugs and abusing alcohol early in their lives run greater risks of reaching this point before others. Drug and substance abuse causes permanent changes in a person’s brain causing effects that last long after abuse stops. One of the most crucial signs of addiction to substances and dependence on drugs is the continued use of these substances despite going through serious negative effects. Usually, a drug user finds other avenues to lay blame for his/her problem as opposed to the realization that negative issues begin with substance abuse. For example, marriage partners may blame a divorce on other parties like children and relatives while they were all committed to substance abuse. This is denial. It is a false belief that they are not ill and that someone else should take the blame for their mistakes. Upon realization of their mistakes, most substance abusers may withdraw entirely from the use of their drugs of choice.

When they stop using the drugs, they may begin to experience medical conditions called withdrawal symptoms. This is caused by a physical need to use their drugs of choice. These symptoms are different depending on the type of drug used and the period used. The symptoms include sweating, shakiness, nausea, paranoia and anxiety. Usually, addicts try to relieve the symptoms through taking more of the same drug or related substances. It is mandatory for addicts, recovering or otherwise, to seek help in the form of counseling and care. Various kinds of trained professionals offer treatment for addiction and other drug related illnesses. Sexual orientation plays a key role in the introduction and cessation of drug use. According to several scientific studies, there is a need to consider the sexual orientation of an individual. This helps in understanding the health disparities amongst diverse populations, including all sexual minorities.

Research recognizes that differences in resilience and risk factors are crucial in the consideration in substance abuse treatment and prevention. The unexploited nature of the gay, lesbian and transgender communities has increasingly made it difficult to obtain any form of data on the sexual minorities. The protective factors that are different between heterosexual and homosexual communities include relational issues, sexuality, minority stress, and social or community support. According to the available research on same sex couples and individuals who are homosexual, they are at higher risks for drug abuse and disorders relating to substance abuse. These problems usually begin prior to the end of adolescence towards young adulthood. Therefore, sexual orientation serves as a barrier to studying the prevalence of drug abuse and disorders relating to substance abuse.

Additionally, the problems included in these studies is the increasing rate of bisexual individuals. They seem to fit in both heterosexual and homosexual orientations. Therefore, studying these individuals becomes a problem and providing solutions to their population is also hard. All in all, substance abuse and drug related illnesses have been a menace since time immemorial. It is important for social and health workers to provide solutions to individuals who are battling addiction. There is a clear connection between sexual orientation and prevention as well as treatment of drug abuse. There is study barrier for young gay, lesbian and transgender adults who are engaged in substance abuse.

Therefore, the provision of help should begin by studying these populations. Relapse training and treatment of recovering addicts is a key area in the elimination of triggers and possible environments that promote substance use. As part of the solution, counseling should include sexual minority members who are familiar with the struggles facing the population.

Cite this page