Analysis Paper - LGBTQ

Multiple studies have examined the use of illicit drugs and alcohol among the LGBTQ. Most of the studies compared the use of drugs among LGBTQ individuals and heterosexual individuals. According to some studies findings, it is claimed that LGBTQ individuals are more likely to consume illicit drugs and alcohol (Klein & Ross, 2014). Equally, LGBTQ individuals are prompt to develop various health challenges due to substance use. However, amongst the findings, none seem to have determined the predisposing factors that trigger more LGBTQ to alcohol and illicit drug abuse than heterosexual individuals (Klein & Ross, 2014). Such results, therefore, if not adequately evaluated, can be biased.

On the other hand, some studies also argue that the differences in alcohol and illicit drug intake between heterosexual individuals and LGBTQ individuals emerge during adolescence and persist until adulthood (Klein & Ross, 2014). According to those studies, LGBTQ adolescents that are school-based were found to use more drugs and alcohol than heterosexual adolescents, and they continuously consumed more drugs and alcohol as they aged (Klein & Ross, 2014).

However much these findings resound genuine and well searched, the first question one should ask is the criteria used by the researchers to determine who LBGTQ individuals are amongst the population (Klein & Ross, 2014). In any event, where the selection of samples is not accurate, the results cannot be a true representation of the realities (Klein & Ross, 2014). The process is as good as a result.

Besides, considering the gender perspective, some research studies argue that lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to drink frequently than heterosexual women. As a result, lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to experience more adverse effects from drinking. Also, according to the studies, gay men are prone to consuming marijuana and other illicit drugs and, as a result, develop an addiction to illegal drugs very fast (Klein & Ross, 2014).

In a nutshell, sexual minority men are prone to using illicit drugs. They undergo serious challenges associated with the use of drugs, while sexual minority women, on the other hand, are more likely to develop challenges related to the consumption of alcohol (Klein & Ross, 2014).

If these findings were to be considered trustworthy as they are, then probable one would consider environmental factors and mode of life among the gender as one of the contributors to the choice of the drug each gender relies upon. For instance, women probably take alcohol to influence or manage stressful situations (Klein & Ross, 2014). Otherwise, men prefer marijuana to help them cope with adverse weather conditions. Therefore, there is a need for a proper clinical understanding of the LBGTQ patients.

In contrast to other studies, Hardesty and colleagues (2012) claim no significant variation in pretreatment alcohol and drug use between heterosexuals and the LBGTQs. According to their research, LBGTQs indicated higher post-treatment utilization of family counseling, medical, and substance abuse counseling services (Klein & Ross, 2014).

However, another...

…sexual minority men seem at higher risk of internalized homophobia (Klein & Ross, 2014). Nonetheless, it is sensible that those men who have internalized negative attitudes or who, during their upbringing, heavily survived homophobic may show symptoms that simulate clinical depression, more so within the setting of chemical use disorders.

Moreover, it is logical that potential abandonment or victimization fears can ultimately result in a behavioral style fitting the anxiety disorder criteria (Klein & Ross, 2014). Also, LGBTQ individuals are prone to suffer from a history of sexual and physical abuse, as indicated in some studies.

As indicated earlier, the above findings substantiate the past research that LGBTQ individuals are most likely than heterosexual individuals to have illicit drug usage challenges (Klein & Ross, 2014). The majority of them also recorded multiple uses of Illicit drugs before getting treatment. Such conduct must have been triggered by mental challenges like stress and depression that affect most of LGBTQs due to societal discrimination against them.

Finally, LGBTQ individuals undertaking illicit drugs or alcohol treatment indicate a massive clinical and substance use severity. However, it remains unclear whether the present treatment models are adequate for the LGBTQs since very few research studies have evaluated the treatment outcomes.

Besides, the few studies that evaluated drug/alcohol treatment outcomes amongst the LGBTQs have not been received well by most people (Klein & Ross, 2014). Lack of research and increased chances that several LGBTQs can ultimately have substance use disorders limit the need for more research studies on particular…