For best odds at recovery, generally, addictions professionals recommend that people participate in therapies and group meetings with people of similar backgrounds and belief systems to themselves.

In response to this and to meet a rising need for rehab and treatment within the gay and lesbian communities, there are increasing numbers of gay and lesbian specific rehab facilities available across the nation.

But do gay and lesbian addicts and alcoholics require a separate facility for recovery, or can they benefit as well within a facility of mixed sexuality?

Why is there such a problem of substance abuse within the gay and lesbian communities?

Estimates have the numbers of gays and lesbians who struggle with substance abuse and addiction from twice to three times the rate of the general population, and obviously the needs of gays and lesbians need to be taken into account for us to better this sad figure of dependency.

Gay community leaders speculate that there are a number of reasons why addiction and abuse is of particular concern within the population…reasons such as feelings of discrimination and feelings of sexual repression, the overuse of alcohol serving venues as gay friendly community places, and the widespread use of crystal meth within the gay clubbing community.

Do gay and lesbian addicts benefit from any different forms of therapy?

Interview based studies with gay and lesbian alcoholics and drug addicts in recovery reveals that as long as the individual feels comfortable to discuss openly issues of sexuality and how they pertain to addiction within a conventional rehab environment, then any type of facility will provide good support and treatment.

Gay and Lesbian addicts report that they appreciate having therapists and other addictions professionals address their lifestyle and sexuality issues directly.

What are the rehab options available?

Gay and lesbian substance abusers can get treatment either at a gay and lesbian exclusive rehab facility, or at a mixed sexuality facility; but one that observes a determined tolerance and freedom of expression towards all genders and sexualities.

Advocates of both argue the relative merits of each, and it seems that either type of facility can offer good support and treatment, and it simply comes down to an individual comfort level. If you do not feel comfortable discussing personal issues in a mixed sexuality environment, then a gay specific rehab may be the better choice, but if you are comfortable contributing openly and honestly within a mixed a facility then you may have more options available to you.

Ultimately, as long as the staff and participating patients maintain an attitude of respect and tolerance towards all, then any type of treatment center should be fine. Unfortunately, not all rehabs do offer this level of tolerance, and you should inquire as to the training and philosophy of the staff in regards to gay and lesbian specific issues.