Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse in a Gay/Lesbian Population:: Related to Victimization?

Abstract

The prevalence of sexual abuse in recovering chemically dependent lesbians and gay men was studied by a retrospective chart review of inpatients at Pride Institute, a center designed to provide treatment for chemical dependency in this population. Nearly 50% of the 201 inpatients studied reporled being sexually abused. The researchers postulate that comprehensive chemical dependency treatment programs must recognize and support their clients' need lo address sexual abuse in order to prevent relapse and to improve their gcncral emotional well-being. Most treatment centers arc reluctant to address sexuality and its problems. Pride Institute maintnins a sharp focus on the homosexual culture and staff are sensitive to my difficulties with sexuality, ranging from society's disapproval of a minority lifestyle to overt rape and assault. As a consequence, clients are open to iscussion oft ese problems and staff are able to collect data confirming the extent and nature of sexual abuse in this population. The resea...