Substance Use Disorder

Symptoms

Two or more of the following criteria are required for a diagnosis or substance use disorder.

Tolerance

Withdrawal

Hazardous Use

Social/Interpersonal Problems

Neglected Major Roles to Use

Used Larger Amounts/Longer

Repeated Attempts to Quit/Control Use

Much Time Spent Using

Physical/Psychological Problems Related to Use

Activities Given Up to Use

LGBTQ+ adults are nearly twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a substance use disorder. Transgender individuals are almost four times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a substance use disorder. Illicit drug use is significantly higher in high school-aged youth who identify as LGBTQ+ or are unsure of their identity, compared to their heterosexual peers.

Interventions:

CBT/Cognitive Processing

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy can be used to address substance use disorders (SUDs) and PTSD or trauma in LGBTQ+ students.

All School Prevention

Teaching lessons on substance use disorder and tolerance of student differences can help prevent addiction in LGBTQ+.

Preventing substance abuse among LGBTQ+ teens (HRC)