Author(s): Amelia E Talley
Certain subgroups of sexual minority individuals have higher prevalence rates of alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drug use disorders, compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Moreover, previous findings indicate that sexual minority individuals are more likely than heterosexual individuals to enter treatment with more severe substance use problems. Work that examines explanations for these disparities highlights the potential for findings to inform targeted intervention efforts. Unfortunately, relatively few LGB-tailored interventions have been conducted, and those that do not have support that these tailored interventions are more efficacious than generalized interventions. Nevertheless, substance use interventions that target LGB individuals may be beneficial in generating initial interest in enrollment and reducing concerns that typically hinder sexual minority individuals from seeking treatment.
