Compared to the general U.S. population, transgender women are far more likely to have serious substance problems. The same holds true for the wider LGBTQ+ community. People in these two groups may have difficulty finding quality drug and alcohol rehab for various reasons. Still, effective treatment is available in programs that consider trans and LGBTQ+ needs.
Trans Women and Rehab – The Scope of the Problem
All people with serious drug or alcohol problems need help to recover. Research shows that trans women and men are disproportionately at-risk for such problems. Transgender adults develop alcohol use disorder more than twice as often as their cisgender peers. In addition, adults in this category develop drug-related substance disorders almost four times as often. The most common drugs of abuse in the trans community are marijuana/cannabis, opioids, and cocaine.
What explains the widespread presence of substance problems among trans women? For any given person, numerous factors may play a role. The list of these potential factors includes things such as:
- The pressures of society-wide discrimination
- Experiencing family rejection
- Widespread misunderstanding of transgender issues
- Limited social opportunities associated with poverty
Together and separately, issues like these can lead to severe, ongoing mental distress. To help them cope with this distress, many trans women turn to alcohol or drugs.
What Is Needed for Effective Drug Rehab for Trans Women?
The basics of drug rehab for trans women are the same as for anyone else affected by addiction. First and foremost, you need treatment suitable for your particular form of addiction. Two primary options are available: medication and psychotherapy. Medication is primarily reserved for people addicted to opioids. Therapy can help you recover from problems related to all drugs.
To maximize chances for success, care for trans women should go beyond these core components. Additional elements of a well-designed program include such things as:
- A safe environment that promotes acceptance and healing
- Individualized care that includes help for specific transgender-related issues
- Support that focuses on issues common to most trans women
You may also need additional help for mental health issues that co-occur with addiction.
What Is Needed for Effective Alcohol Rehab for Trans Women?
Trans women with alcohol problems also need suitable primary treatment for those problems. Both medication and therapy are used to treat alcohol addiction. You may need a plan based on just one of these two options. However, you may also need a recovery plan that combines them.
Like their peers with drug problems, trans women addicted to alcohol typically need extensive supportive care. The most effective forms of support are basically the same in either situation.
That includes possible treatment for additional mental health issues.
LGBTQ+ Rehab
Other members of the LGBTQ+ community share the same heightened drug and alcohol risks as trans women. They’re also exposed to similar societal and personal stresses. For these reasons, effective LGBTQ+ rehab typically has the same requirements as trans-specific care. Some programs for trans women may also provide help for other segments of the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn More About Trans Women and Rehab at Women’s Recovery
Want more information on trans women and rehab? The addiction specialists at Women’s Recovery are ready to assist you. We understand the unique needs of trans women in recovery. We also understand the steps needed to meet those needs. In addition, we know what it takes to address the combined problems of addiction and mental illness.
Call us today at 833.754.0554 to learn more about effective rehab for trans women. You can also fill out our online information form. We’re dedicated to helping you get all the support you need for your recovery.
