Paradise Ballroom A

Speaker(s): Nesbitt, Donna, BA

Description:

This presentation serves to examine the unique intricacies regarding substance use and recovery among the LGBTQIA+ population. This includes examining specific contributing factors to the prevalence of substance use disorders in the community, barriers to receiving proper treatment, and protocols agencies can implement within their own programs so as to better serve high-risk individuals. The hope is to increase competency regarding inclusivity and guide in providing an affirmative space so that it may encourage others to seek help.

Objectives

•  Define the various subgroups within the LGBTQIA+ population.
• Review the history of the LGBTQIA+ population.
• Explore contributing factors to substance use disorders among the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Identify barriers to accessing effective and competent treatment programs for recovery.
• Develop agency protocols aimed at increasing inclusion, affirmation, and retention of LGBTQIA+ clients.