Gain fresh insights into the social, psychological, and biochemical aspects of substance and sexual addictions! Addictions in the Gay and Lesbian Community explores the unique clinical considerations involved in addiction treatment for gay and lesbian clients. Using approaches ranging from Jungian analysis to cognitive therapy to twelve-step programs, the researchers and clinicians represented here share their expertise in working clinically with drug and alcohol problems as well as compulsive sexual behaviors in gay men and lesbians. Effectively treating addictions in gay men and lesbians requires the clinician to understand not only the basic patterns of use and abuse, but also to recognize and address the clients’special concerns. Gay and lesbian clients often face a variety of social and emotional barriers to overcoming addictive behaviors, including: internalized homophobia leading to deep feelings of shame about their sexual needs the need to stay closeted or face unacceptable consequences affecting work, friends, and family the temptations of circuit parties and gay bars feelings of social isolation and a desperate desire to fit in through use of drugs or alcohol the interlocking role of drugs and sex, homophobia, shame, secrets, and loneliness mainstream treatment options that fail to address gay- and lesbian-specific issues and identities Addictions in the Gay and Lesbian Community offers both personal experiences of addiction and recovery and insightful original research into the sources and treatment of addictions among gays and lesbians. It provides scholarly examinations of successful techniques for evaluating and treating gay and lesbian adolescents, professionals, and health-care workers, as well as a discussion of a treatment center geared to the needs of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals suffering from addiction. A perceptive study of Jungian techniques for treating sexual compulsions includes an appendix written by the client giving his point of view. Addictions in the Gay and Lesbian Community offers well-written scholarly studies, moving personal testimony, and proven, practical ideas for successful evaluation and treatment of gay men and lesbians with addictive disorders.

This book provides chemical dependency clinicians a sampling of the work being done in the fields of gay and lesbian chemical dependency to enable clinicians to provide better care for their gay and lesbian clients. After an overview of 7 research studies which examine the incidence of alcoholism and/or chemical dependency in gay and lesbian persons, the contributing authors explore the special concerns of recovering gay and lesbian addicts. Chapters focus not only on issues in the fields of gay and lesbian chemical dependency but how clinicians can use this knowledge to better care for their gay and lesbian clients. Readers will find new information on: working with HIV positive persons homophobia as a critical root in chemically dependent gays and lesbians positive changes for dysfunctional relationships common with gays and lesbians spirituality in gay and lesbian communities the special needs of the rural gay/lesbian client gay men’s groups in AA a retrospective of NALGAP resources and referrals for chemically dependent gay and lesbian persons Addiction and Recovery in Gay and Lesbian Persons assists social workers and other helping professionals working with chemically dependent clients learn more about how to adequately treat them. Gay and lesbian persons recovering from a chemical addiction will also find this book enlightening.

Internalized homophobia, alienation, poor support structures, and high levels of depression all contribute to substance abuse among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, with social activity at bars and clubs reinforcing addictive behavior. The threat of bias in treatment programs also prevents many from seeking help. An essential resource for human service professionals searching for the latest research on these unique issues, this volume features both state of the art practice methods for treating substance use disorders and up-to-date analyses of sexual orientation and gender identity issues, heterosexism, and the ethical challenges of working with the LGBT community. Sandra Anderson discusses practice with individuals, couples, families, and small groups, as well as practice at the program level. Drawing on case studies with her own clients and from social service agencies that treat LGBT clients, Anderson emphasizes evidence-based treatment models, including motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management, the matrix model, and community reinforcement. Packed with recommendations for effective practice, this singular volume confronts the obstacles faced not only by clients with addictions but also by the LGBT population as a whole.

Here is a valuable contribution to the new and growing body of clinical literature concerning mental health issues for gay males and lesbians. Lesbians and Gay Men: Chemical Dependency Treatment Issues addresses in-depth, specific issues in the treatment of chemical dependency in this population. Authors discuss special problems of the gay population and describe actual clinical techniques for treating them. Readers can easily apply these techniques and strategies for treatment directly to their own work. The book is full of case studies and other helpful information, making it one that practitioners may turn to again and again. A discussion of addiction and homophobia opens the book and creates a base for the chapters that follow, which present clinical material on topics such as: the treatment of homosexual addicted clients by heterosexual therapists the impact on professionals of treating HIV-infected substance abusers the role of spirituality in the recovery of gay males chemical dependency in gay and lesbian youth lesbians from alcoholic families stages of lesbian recovery from alcoholism dual diagnosis of homosexual persons Other useful chapters contain information on formatting an experiential weekend workshop for recovering lesbians and gay men, and ideas for applying family therapy concepts to the treatment of these individuals. An extremely practical book, it increases practitioners’arsenals of skills by explaining clinical strategies that can be put into use immediately. References at the end of each chapter guide interested readers toward further learning on specific topics. Health providers, chemical dependency counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists will find Lesbians and Gay Men: Chemical Dependency Treatment Issues a book to depend on for effective treatments of both gay men and lesbians.

A timely reference that addresses the unique issues of gay men in recovery. Winner of the 2012 Independent Book Publishers Association Benjamin Franklin Award -- GLBT Category! Gay Men and Substance Abuse fills a tremendous void, serving as a valuable resource for gay men, professionals, concerned partners, friends, and family members in need of solid information and guidance.Whether faced with a traumatic coming out process, caught up in personal struggles with body image, engulfed in the club culture, or navigating a family system that does not accept his sexuality, a gay man struggling with substance abuse or addiction often faces cultural and personal challenges unique to his life experiences. Yet many men and their loved ones in search of help are forced to adjust to a traditional treatment system, or self-help groups that center on heterosexual relationships, and family groups that neglect to include partners or address what can be a uniquely challenging family dynamic.By exploring the social and psychological factors that play into homosexual men's addictions, nationally certified treatment counselor Michael Shelton presents a timely, comprehensive look at best practices in meeting the unique needs of gay men in recovery, offering keen insight on a range of issues, including:such common therapeutic approaches as motivational enhancement therapy and 12 Step strategiessuccessful relapse prevention protocolstools for recovery from co-occurring sexual disordersthe importance of a loved one's role with regard to intervention and supportthe complicated relationship between gay male drug use and sexual behaviorhow to talk knowledgeably, and with care and sensitivityAbout the author Michael Shelton, M.S., C.A.C., is a nationally certified treatment counselor and does clinical work with males with substance abuse and sexual disorders at four facilities in Philadelphia. He's the author of four other books, including Boy Crazy: Why Monogamy Is So Hard for Gay Men and What You Can Do About It.

A resource guide developed to increase the understanding of the issues important to the lesbian, gay, and bisexual communities. The guide is the product of a search of the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information data bases. It describes articles and reports from peer reviewed journals and books, lists materials with clear ATOD prevention messages, and gives resources for more information.