Opioid addictions are an issue for many people, but there are some individuals that face different challenges, and may therefore be more likely to abuse this substance.
Individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community are far more likely to abuse substances as compared to heterosexual individuals (1), mainly due to the difficulties they may experience in everyday life as opposed to those identifying as heterosexual.
This may be due to the discrimination and abuse that they face daily. Many people are still heavily discriminatory against those of different sexual orientations, and this causes immense distress and unhappiness in many who experience it.
In an extreme case of discrimination, an individual may experience more serious abuse as a result of their orientation, as hate crimes are now becoming increasingly common.
Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community report feelings of loneliness or isolation as a result of this, often being rejected by friends, family, or those they consider close.
These individuals are more likely to develop mental health issues, such as those resulting in addiction such as anxiety, depression, or, in some cases, schizophrenia.
As a result of this, individuals may turn to substances in an attempt to improve their well-being, aided by the positive effects that are associated with opioid usage (described in more detail in later paragraphs).
Opioids refer to a category of drugs resembling opium – a heavily addictive substance known for its strong psychoactive and physiological effects.
Originally used as a medical substance (and still prescribed in some cases), opium can have strong analgesic effects.
When used as a recreational substance – or when addicted – opioids give the individual a strong euphoric rush, often accompanied by feelings of relaxation.
In addition, individuals may also experience relief from pain; one of the reasons why this substance is so addictive and can quickly spiral from a medically prescribed course of treatment.
Some more effects include the inhibition of bodily functions such as the bowels, often leading to constipation or other negative side effects. Further risks are outlined in the later paragraphs.
The effects of pure opium are very similar to those of heroin, another drug in the opioid category.
Other examples of opioids include prescribed painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and morphine as well as synthetic versions like fentanyl.
Although opioids do not cause as much as an issue in the UK as they do in the US (according to experts), there is still debate and many will attest to the issues faced in the UK.
In 2020, 49.6% of the deaths relating to drug poisoning were a result of opioids (2) and most of those were a result of misuse, often resulting in an overdose.
To learn more about opioids, take a look at our other pages, or call our addiction hotline on 0800 140 4690.
As described above, the short-term effects are the reason why many people seek to consume opioids. However, there are far more negative and long-term effects that individuals may not consider.
In some cases, the positive effects of opioid usage can become negative when used in large amounts.
For example, the sleepiness caused by opioid usage can also become more dangerous through over-usage and cause issues such as deep sleep or even comas. When considering the dangers of this alone, the negative impacts are clear.
In some cases, abusing opioids can cause slowed breathing and a reduced heart rate, sometimes resulting in death if taken in large amounts.
In all cases, the addictive nature of opioids is one of the most dangerous features. Once addicted, and individual will seek to consume more and more of the substance to maintain the same effect.
This is known as increasing tolerance and can cause an overdose in cases where people seek more than their bodies can handle, resulting in a risk of hospitalisation, medical interventions, and death.
Within the LGBTQIA+ community, this risk is even higher due to the increased pressure these individuals may experience.
Due to the pressures previously mentioned, individuals are more likely to turn to substances such as opioids in order to combat their mounting stress and mental health issues.
As a result of this, social minorities make up the greatest number of deaths relating to drug poisoning and abuse.
In order to help someone in the LGBTQIA+ community who may be struggling with opioid addiction, there are several things to keep in mind.
This may be providing support to someone you know or seeking help for your own addiction, but in either case, there are several steps to take to achieve goals such as seeking help and beginning rehabilitation treatments.
The first thing to keep in mind is patience and open-mindedness. If an individual approaches you about an issue, they have a lot of trust in you, and therefore its vital to listen and be receptive to everything they say.
For a personal addiction, being patient with yourself is vital. There is no benefit to punishing yourself or delaying treatments due to such beliefs.
Addictions are not a moral failure of the individual and can change the way the brain processes information, altering previous perceptions or behaviours.
Taking each stage step-by-step is the best way to approach care in this instance, remembering that help and support can be found at every stage.
Additionally, approaching the individual in a non-confrontational way will be the most reassuring, especially when accompanied with previously researched treatment options or counselling suggestions.
With the LGBTQIA+ community, it is important to ensure that any treatments or suggestions do not conflict with any existing treatments such as hormonal therapy.
For opioid addictions in the LGBTQIA+ community, there are several types of common treatment that are suggested.
Most of these types of treatment focus on both the physical and mental effects of addiction, treating both within the same therapy or addiction treatment course.
A few of the most common types of treatment are described below:
This is the most commonly suggested and practised type of therapy for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
This is because CBT focuses on helping the individual to alter their previous cognitions or thought patterns to help them develop coping mechanisms or more positive cognitions to help deal with their addiction.
Specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, this type of therapy could include principles such as stress-specific trigger management – helping them to cope with the discrimination that they may experience on the daily.
This is a lesser-known type of therapy but has many of the same principles as CBT.
These include features such as identifying negative thoughts and working to alter these as well as understanding the harmful effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which may be associated with the challenges faced in the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this type of therapy, an individual can expect to complete motivational interviews such as those designed to separate discrimination from personal beliefs.
Mental health, as mentioned in the previous paragraphs, is one of the most important factors when considering an addiction experienced by someone in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Opioids can cause significant changes in the brain, often resulting in long-term mental health issues that can require rehabilitation to overcome and manage throughout an individual’s life.
The therapies outlined above are also heavily focused on the psychological effects of opioid addiction because they are at the forefront of opioid rehabilitation.
Even after detox from opioids, the individuals must still be prepared and motivated to undergo addiction treatments such as therapies and other holistic treatments.
Having the right mindset for treatment is essential, as without it, treatment is likely to be far less efficient and further issues are likely to be encountered.
Although mental health is important, physical health is more at risk with drugs such as those in the opioid category. Due to the physiological impacts that they can have on the body, this aspect should never be overlooked.
However, for long-term care, psychological measures are far more beneficial.
To understand more about opioid addictions and their effects on individuals, please take a look at our other webpages or contact Rehab 4 Addiction’s 24/7 addiction support line on 0800 140 4690.
[1] Medley G, Lipari, RN, Bose, J, Cribb, DS, Kroutil, LA, McHenry, G. Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. NSDUH Data Review; 2016. http://www.samhsa. gov/data/.
[2] Office of National Statistics, 2020 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsrelatedtodrugpoisoninginenglandandwales/2020
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
