Gay Drug Addiction and Rehab in Chicago

What attracts gay people to drug taking?

Poor self-esteem, alienation and homophobia among gay men and lesbians can increase their risk for drug addiction and alcohol abuse. At present drugs and alcohol are a central aspect of gay club and bar culture, joining in can foster a sense of belonging, and can help you stay up all night dancing. Sharing a line or a pill is seen as sophisticated and decadent. this can be the first step towards drug addiction or alcohol abuse.

Are some drugs gayer than others?

You name it, gay people take it. From the dope-smoking bohemians of the 1950s, to the cocaine freaks of the disco years, via ecstasy, crystal meth, amyl nitrate, ketamine, GHB and beyond, drugs are part of gay life. More recently there have been studies linking gay people and abuse of anabolic steroids and also Viagra. It seems that some gay men's obsessions with having a buff hard body is spilling over into their drugs of choice.

What's being done to address the issue?

Some health promotion groups are calling for more social alternatives to the bar and club scene. They believe that gay people are less likely to want to take drugs if there are more places to meet. There is also a need for gay specific drug rehab programs. The feeling is that a gay man or lesbian will be more likely to go to drug rehab if the drug rehab is at a minimum a gay friendly drug rehab.

If you are looking for a gay drug rehab go to www.gay-rehab.com or call the national drug rehab helpline at 1-800-511-9225. To locate a gay friendly drug rehab in your area go to www.lakeviewhealth.com.

Jonathan Huttner is a partner in a gay friendly drug rehab and gay friendly alcohol rehab called Freedom Rings. Freedom Rings is an addiction treatment component within Lakeview Health Systems.