Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at larger risk for mental health issues for a multitude of reasons. More specifically, LGBTQIA+ active duty individuals can be at risk of mental health issues and addictions as well. We appreciate all active duty members and are able to help in the case you identify as LGBTQIA+ and suffer from addiction and any co-occurring mental health problems.
LGBTQIA+ Active Duty and Representation
Representation in your community is important. Unfortunately in the United States today, representation of LGBTQIA+ active duty individuals is still lacking. Representation of LGBTQIA+ active duty members would mean these individuals are acknowledged, seen, and heard. This is also important for good mental health.
There have been many states bringing forth anti-LGBTQIA+ bills and laws. As of May 23, 2023, there have been 70 anti-LGBTQIA+ laws put into place this year. This alone could mean detrimental effects on the LGBTQIA+ community in many ways. As more laws or bills are brought to the state legislature, there will likely be even less representation. This could then lead to increased mental health and addiction issues among this population.
Active duty individuals already are at risk to face military mental health struggles. It would be appropriate for active duty to be a huge stressor. With the potential added stressor of identifying as LGBTQIA+ and with a lack of accurate representation, developing struggles with mental health is not out of the question. Some mental health issues that could develop include:
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
These potential mental health issues can be addressed at Renaissance Ranch while you seek treatment for addiction. We understand that not acknowledging LGBTQIA+ active duty people are real could result in feeling wrong for just existing as you are. Additionally, when there is a lacking of representation, there is usually a lack of equal opportunities. We also know that when someone identifies with LGBTQIA+, they can potentially not have support from friends or family. This means people who identify as LGBTQIA+ could feel the need to hide who they truly are.
Mental Health Among LGBTQIA+
Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health. Identifying as LGBTQIA+ means an increased risk. It’s important to know you are not alone if you identify as LGBTQIA+ and your mental health is suffering. LGBGQIA+ individuals face stigmas and discrimination day to day. This alone could take a toll on your mental health immensely. Mental health struggles could also lead to problems with addiction or substance use disorder (SUD).
Poor mental health is not something to ignore. There are many resources to help and add support to your life if needed. Being shamed for identifying with LGBTQIA+ is not uncommon. If this is relatable to your situation, remember there is an entire community of other LGBTQIA+ people who love and support you.
Addiction in the LGBTQIA+ Active Duty Population
We understand being an active duty member could be extremely stressful. We also know that stress can be a trigger for addiction and therefore active duty members can be at a higher risk. Research proves that substance use in the military has been an issue. With the added stress of being in the military, LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a higher risk to develop mental health-related issues and addiction.
If you identify as LGBTQIA+ and have been on active duty, it is important to ask for help if you need it. Here at Renaissance Ranch, we can be a safe, judgemental-free place to provide that help and support if you are battling addiction or SUD. LGBTQIA+ individuals could also be at a higher risk for addiction due to multiple varying stressors. We know not every person who identifies as LGBTQIA+ has the same amount of support available to them, so we hope to be a valuable source for that.
How We Can Help
We encourage any adult man 18 years or older who is struggling with addiction as an LGBTQIA+ and active-duty individual to reach out for help. Addiction or SUD can feel lonely, so we know the risk for mental health problems increases with any additional stressors. You can start your road to recovery with our full support of who you are by completing an assessment. Our treatment and care are individualized for each person seeking recovery from addiction or SUD.
Sobriety is a lifelong journey, and we can be there to help you throughout the entire way. Our process is unique and catered to each person’s specific needs. We also offer treatment online which could be an option for you. We want to ensure that we best support you; we can provide the necessary help and you will not be turned away. Most co-occurring mental health struggles can be treated while we help you address your addiction or SUD.
We recognize that LGBTQIA+ active-duty individuals exist. We know that there can be many stressors that potentially come along with being an active-duty individual. If you also identify as LGBTQIA+, we know that there is still a lack of representation today. There could also possibly be a lack of support from friends or family. All of this combined could cause you to develop an addiction or SUD. With this in mind, we know addiction with co-occurring mental health issues can occur. We are here to help regardless of what you identify with in the LGBTQIA+ community. Please call (801) 308-8898 for additional information on the treatment we can offer you.