Excessive Drinking “Normalized” Among LGBTQ+ People, Reveals New Study
March 23, 2022People from the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to have problems with alcohol than others, and experience major barriers in accessing alcohol services, according to new research carried out by the Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). The study, funded and launched today by the Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), also found that excessive drinking was “normalized” among LGBTQ+ people.
The research investigating both service users’ and service providers’ experiences highlighted some concerning findings, and revealed the barriers the LGBTQ+ community experience when accessing alcohol services. “We know that LGBTQ+ communities are at higher risk of alcohol-related harm, so it is important to learn about their experiences of alcohol services in Scotland,” said Professor Carol Emslie, leading the research. “Our respondents reported their drinking was often a response to discrimination, family rejection or hiding their LGBTQ+ identity, but that service providers rarely explored how sexuality or gender identity might impact on alcohol use.”
Respondents were concerned that excessive drinking was normalized among LGBTQ+ people and that there was a lack of LGBTQ+ alcohol-free spaces in Scotland. They identified specific barriers to accessing alcohol services, including concerns about judgement and discrimination; services not being perceived as LGBTQ+ friendly; and a lack of discussion of sexuality and gender from service providers.
Interviews with clinicians and third sector service providers also highlighted a number of barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals accessing alcohol services. Service providers reported feeling uncomfortable in discussing gender and sexuality, with some even voicing their perception of a lack of relevance to alcohol treatment.
Given the significant alcohol-related health inequalities experienced by LGBTQ+ people in Scotland, experts want action to overcome these barriers. “It is imperative that the needs of LGBTQ+ people are explicitly addressed in the upcoming Scottish Government Alcohol Treatment Guidance, in order to tackle these inequalities and reduce the stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing alcohol treatment services,” stated Elinor Jayne, Director of SHAAP. “The Scottish Parliament should show leadership in generating more public understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and reduce the stigma they experience.”
Commenting on the research, David Barbour, of the Glasgow LGBTQI Substance Use Partnership, said: “Disproportionate numbers of LGBT+ people find themselves using alcohol to self-medicate for higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression, often caused by past or ongoing experiences of homo/bi/transphobia. Combined with the fact that alcohol plays such a dominant role in safe LGBT+ social spaces, it is crucial that alcohol services take steps to understand the scale of this problem and begin to address it. We will continue to work as a Partnership of LGBT+, substance use and recovery services and academics to implement these recommendations.”
The report recommends that “all staff working in alcohol services should receive LGBTQ+ diversity training and services should check they are reaching the LGBTQ+ community, and tailoring their services appropriately,” highlighted Professor Emslie. “At a broader level, alcohol-free spaces for LGBTQ+ people where drinking heavily is not the norm, and increased public acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues would reduce alcohol harm in this community.”
Dr Elena Dimova, a principal researcher on the project, added: “Our respondents talked about experiencing poor mental health and many said this was related to their drinking. One of our recommendations is that alcohol services need stronger links to mental health to ensure that clients receive seamless care.”
You can access the full report here.
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