Eatontown, New Jersey—Fear of violence, harassment, discrimination, and stigma can increase the LGBTQ+ community’s risk for developing substance use and mental health disorders. These are key reasons Advanced Health and Education developed its Perspectives program for LGBTQ+ clients.
According to recent analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of adults identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), 2.6 million have a substance use disorder and 6.8 million have a mental illness. Thirteen percent have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder.
Fifty percent—or 1.4 million LGB people—struggle with illicit drugs. Three out of every five—or 1.7 million—struggle with alcohol, and one in six—or 426,000 LGB people—struggle with both alcohol and drugs. Two out of every five LGB people—or 2.6 million—with a mental illness, have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness.
According to the report, these figures may be traced to the stress factors added upon them that are not faced by the majority of the population regarding gender confusion, family rejection (resulting in an increased risk of homelessness), discrimination with employment or housing, and potential for physical violence from others.
“LGBTQ+ clients face unique challenges in their journeys from recovery addiction. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, and rejection can lead to mental health issues that complicate recovery while making it difficult to build a support system,” according to Advanced Health and Education’s Founder and CEO Arel Meister-Aldama.
“Advanced Health and Education’s Perspectives program provides a dedicated community for LGBTQ+ clients through weekly meetings. Clients have a safe space to share their common experiences, work through challenges with their group leader, and build support for one another.”
Advanced Health and Education is located 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Its program has multiple levels of outpatient care to treat clients with mental health or substance use disorders. Its program structure integrates physical health and mental health as part of recovery and includes alternative therapies, such as chiropractic services, acupuncture, and yoga. It also provides aftercare support services.
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For more information about Advanced Health & Education, contact the company here:
Advanced Health & Education
(732) 348-0705
info@advhealth.com
3 Corbett Way
Eatontown, NJ 07724
