Transgender People Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Too
Transgender people are at a much higher risk for substance abuse and addiction, says a report from the Center for American Progress. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are used as a coping mechanism to handle stress that originates from daily battles with discrimination and stigma.
So what if a transgender person wants to attend a dual diagnosis treatment facility, but it is segregated by gender? For a transgender person, this might feel like an unsafe, alienating space.
Sure, there are plenty of LGBT-friendly rehabilitation centers. But the inclusive policies of the facility mean nothing, if the knowledge and the compassion of the staff is lacking.
Education is the key, according to Elliot Kennedy, Special Expert, Office of Policy, Planning and Innovation for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Kennedy told The Huffington Post in a recent article that opening up all-trans facilities across the nation for transgender addicts is simply not a viable option.
“There will never be enough resources because the transgender community will never be a large enough part of the population. So we have to make sure mainstream providers of care are culturally competent,” he said. “The knee jerk reaction shouldn’t be to send them to an LGBT center.”
But not all dual diagnosis treatment facilities are LGBT-friendly, so you or your loved one needs to do your research. Progress is being made to remove barriers and increase the level of service for the transgender community. This matters when an estimated 30 percent of transgender people abuse substances, as compared to just around nine percent of the general population, according to SAMHSA.
Transgender Affirmative Treatment
Best practices and ongoing research suggests ways to build a stable rehabilitation community where transgender people can pursue goals and prevent a return to drugs or alcohol. You and your loved one are encouraged to ask questions when you a dual diagnosis treatment facility of your choice. Find out if they provide safe and supportive environments to transgender people.
Some questions to ask
Are transgender people allowed to receive their prescribed hormone therapy? It should not be considered an elective drug.
Can you ensure the delivery of research-based therapies?
Do you employ a variety of LGBT staff and allies? How much training do they have regarding transgender-specific issues?
What are your policies and consequences for derogatory, provocative, or threatening behavior, comments or jokes?
Do you allow an individual to self-identify as he or she wishes and not force identity as the “sex” at birth?
Do you ensure the medical staff is well-versed in mental health disorders and transgender trauma?
Are you able to make appropriate accommodations for living space and restroom assignments, without isolating transgender people?
Successful Rehabilitation is Possible for Transgender Addicts
The best dual diagnosis treatment facility will understand the unique challenges faced by the transgender community. Although there is no model for an all-trans rehabilitation program, that does not mean you or your loved one should give up on finding suitable and affordable treatment, in a safe and welcoming environment.
Transgender people are at a much higher risk for substance abuse and addiction, says a report from the Center for American Progress. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are used as a coping mechanism to handle stress that originates from daily battles with discrimination and stigma.
So what if a transgender person wants to attend a dual diagnosis treatment facility, but it is segregated by gender? For a transgender person, this might feel like an unsafe, alienating space.
Sure, there are plenty of LGBT-friendly rehabilitation centers. But the inclusive policies of the facility mean nothing, if the knowledge and the compassion of the staff is lacking.
Education is the key, according to Elliot Kennedy, Special Expert, Office of Policy, Planning and Innovation for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Kennedy told The Huffington Post in a recent article that opening up all-trans facilities across the nation for transgender addicts is simply not a viable option.
“There will never be enough resources because the transgender community will never be a large enough part of the population. So we have to make sure mainstream providers of care are culturally competent,” he said. “The knee jerk reaction shouldn’t be to send them to an LGBT center.”
But not all dual diagnosis treatment facilities are LGBT-friendly, so you or your loved one needs to do your research. Progress is being made to remove barriers and increase the level of service for the transgender community. This matters when an estimated 30 percent of transgender people abuse substances, as compared to just around nine percent of the general population, according to SAMHSA.
Transgender Affirmative Treatment
Best practices and ongoing research suggests ways to build a stable rehabilitation community where transgender people can pursue goals and prevent a return to drugs or alcohol. You and your loved one are encouraged to ask questions when you a dual diagnosis treatment facility of your choice. Find out if they provide safe and supportive environments to transgender people.
Some questions to ask
Are transgender people allowed to receive their prescribed hormone therapy? It should not be considered an elective drug.
Can you ensure the delivery of research-based therapies?
Do you employ a variety of LGBT staff and allies? How much training do they have regarding transgender-specific issues?
What are your policies and consequences for derogatory, provocative, or threatening behavior, comments or jokes?
Do you allow an individual to self-identify as he or she wishes and not force identity as the “sex” at birth?
Do you ensure the medical staff is well-versed in mental health disorders and transgender trauma?
Are you able to make appropriate accommodations for living space and restroom assignments, without isolating transgender people?
Successful Rehabilitation is Possible for Transgender Addicts
The best dual diagnosis treatment facility will understand the unique challenges faced by the transgender community. Although there is no model for an all-trans rehabilitation program, that does not mean you or your loved one should give up on finding suitable and affordable treatment, in a safe and welcoming environment.