Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Victimization of gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals may lead to substance abuse problems
By Staff Writer
The results of a recent study on substance abuse reveal that gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals are more likely to experience victimization and form an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago found this link after analyzing data from 34,635 adults who participated in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.
Findings revealed that the correlation between substance abuse and victimization was more prevalent among gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals than heterosexuals.
Lesbian and bisexual women were more than twice as likely as heterosexual females to report cases of victimization. The same was true of gay and straight males.
In addition, both straight and homosexual women who had reported two or more incidences of victimization were two to four times more likely to have a dependence on alcohol and drugs, compared to women who did not report any cases of victimization.
As a result of victimization, gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the psychological and interpersonal effects this negative treatment can have on them, according to the researchers. However, they add that engaging in this activity may increase the risk of further victimization from others.
To reverse this cycle, individuals who have grown dependent on drugs or alcohol may want to seek substance abuse help.
