New Rehab
Resource Created for LGBT People

A new online drug rehabilitation resource has been launched this year specifically for LGBT people: gay-rehab.com.

The website (launched by Freedom Rings, a component of Florida's Lakeview Health Systems) provides access to "immediate consultation for alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders."

The site offers myriad services, such as detox, drug rehabilitation, partial hospitalization, outpatient addiction treatment, prevention planning, and duel diagnosis treatment.

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorder, is defined by a person's suffering from a psychological or emotional disorder in addition to their addictions. It is present in up to 70% of addicts. Both addiction and psychiatric disorders have are more frequent among LGBTs.

In addition to its information and treatment programs for dual diagnosis, the site also provides a gay-friendly atmosphere to boost the effectiveness of the program.

"The vast majority of the gay and lesbian community would derive greater benefit from a gay-friendly drug rehab program, one that incorporates quality drug addiction treatment with 'real world' interaction," according to the site. "We use the words 'gay friendly' to describe a drug rehab program that has addiction treatment staff...who have dealt with their experiences of prejudice and homophobic attitudes."

The organization says that while drug or alcohol addictions may be the initial reason people check into rehab, it's "shame, sexual abuse, low self-worth, internalized homophobia, or feelings concerning sexual preference that, if not addressed, would bring you back." (The Advocate)