Getting sober as an LGBT individual isn’t always easy. Many rehabs and sober living houses do not provide specialized addiction treatment programs to meet the unique needs of the LGBT population and treatment specialists may be uninformed or insensitive about LGBT issues related to addiction. As a result, clients who already feel isolated and misunderstood may continue to feel that way and decide to give up on treatment.
LGBT individuals in recovery from addiction need specialized treatment to address their unique life experiences, personal issues, and cultural beliefs. Although the LGBT culture is rapidly changing and expanding, there are still very few addiction treatment and sober living programs designed specifically for LGBT individuals.
At Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, we offer LGBT sober living houses in Austin to meet the unique needs of this population. Here is a brief explanation of this transitional housing program, as well as some of the primary benefits of living in LGBT transitional housing.
Unique Treatment Needs of the LGBT Population
Addiction treatment for LGBT individuals is the same as that for other types of clients, with the primary focus being to help the client stop abusing drugs.1 However, individuals who identify as LGBT are more likely to suffer from substance abuse problems and mental health issues than the rest of the population.2 This may be a result of a number of different factors, including:
- Discrimination
- Family estrangement
- Trauma
- Depression
- Sexual identity issues
- Sexual or physical abuse
- Bullying
Life experiences such as the ones listed above will each affect the behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, and motivations of an LGBT individual and will need to be addressed with treatment in both rehab and transitional housing programs.
Generally speaking, the best type of addiction treatment and sober living programs are those that are individualized to meet the specific needs of each client.3 This requires treatment staff to be informed, aware, and sensitive to the needs of every type of client, including LGBT individuals. Rehab centers and sober living homes should be safe, accepting, and drug-free zones where LGBT individuals can feel comfortable and supported at all times.
The Benefits of Sober Living Houses in Austin
With the above treatment needs in mind, Austin, Texas is a great place to get sober, especially for LGBT individuals. If you are searching for LGBT transitional living programs for yourself or a loved one, there are several distinct advantages to Eudaimonia sober living in Austin.
- Austin, Texas has a very large LGBT community.
Although the San Francisco metropolitan area has the highest percentage of adults who identify as LGBT, Austin is in the top four. About 5.3 percent of adults in the Austin-Round Rock area identify as LGBT, in comparison to the 6.2 percent in the San Francisco area.4 This large community of LGBT individuals in Austin makes it easier to find and connect with other LGBT people in recovery.
- Eudaimonia sober living houses in Austin prioritize the comfort and support of all residents.
At Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, we understand the unique recovery needs of the LGBT population. For this reason, we provide LGBT sober living homes in Austin that cater to the needs of LGBT men. Our LGBT transitional living program provides a safe environment where men can feel comfortable talking openly about their sexual orientation as well as the challenges they face in addiction recovery.
- LGBT sober living houses in Austin provide peer support in recovery.
Engaging with like-minded individuals and building healthy relationships is an essential part of addiction recovery. Without it, LGBT individuals in recovery are much more likely to struggle with sobriety maintenance or suffer from relapse.5 Eudaimonia sober houses in Austin, TX provide a sense of camaraderie that can’t be found in traditional home living environments and residents are both required and encouraged to attend group activities and recovery meetings as a part of their recovery programming.
- The recovery community in Austin is very active.
Although the availability of drugs and alcohol is generally higher in any larger metropolitan area, the Austin city culture is very recovery-friendly. Overall, the city’s culture is very health-conscious and eco-sensitive, with many active residents who value the outdoor recreation and activities provided by the Texas Hill Country. There are also many active 12-step groups in Austin, for LGBT couples and singles in Austin, providing LGBT individuals with a number of options and opportunities for continued support in sobriety, even after completing a sober living program.
Finding the Right Sober Living Program for Your Needs
At Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, we provide transitional housing for individuals in all stages of recovery and our recovery support services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We do this in an effort to provide the best sober living experience possible and give every client the best opportunity for lasting, lifelong sobriety.
Understandably, finding the right sober living program for yourself or for a loved one can be difficult and overwhelming, as there are many different options out there. If you are an LGBT individual who is searching for continued support in your sobriety, contact Eudaimonia Recovery Homes today and find out more about our gender-specific Austin sober living houses. Our admissions team is happy to help you find the perfect fit for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
References:
- https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA12-4104/SMA12-4104.pdf
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015.htm
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment
- http://news.gallup.com/poll/182051/san-francisco-metro-area-ranks-highest-lgbt-percentage.aspx
- https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery
