June 12, 2023 – For many people, misusing substances becomes a way to numb negative emotions and offers a temporary escape from daily stress and challenges. They rely on substances as a primary coping mechanism, mainly because they don’t have other healthier options. However, this can create a cycle where substance use worsens mental health symptoms, leading to an increased desire to numb feelings and perpetuating the reliance on substances.
Alcohol, marijuana, opioids and methamphetamine are commonly used by LGBTQ+ adults. In 2020, 21.8% had an alcohol use disorder, 41.3% used marijuana and 6.7% misused opioids, according to the National Institutes of Health. Comparatively, heterosexual people had lower reported rates of 11% for alcohol use disorder, 18.7% for marijuana use and 3.6% for opioid misuse.
Methamphetamine has become a popular “party drug” and often is used with other substances. Opioid use is growing as well, including using painkillers like fentanyl and Percocet.
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