Young individuals in the LGBTQ community might also be more likely than their peers to use substances as a coping mechanism. According to multiple studies, young lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals use tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs at higher rates than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, lesbian and bisexual girls are 9.7 times more likely to smoke cigarettes than heterosexual girls, and 25% of gay boys are regular binge drinkers. 5
Any family rejection that LGBTQ youth might face can also affect their use of illegal substances. According to a study, young people who experience a moderate level of family rejection are 1.5 times more likely to use illicit substances than those who experience little or no rejection. Youth who experience high levels of family rejection are 3.5 times more likely to use these substances. 5
Young transgender individuals are at high risk of developing issues with substance dependency. Transgender people use certain drugs like methamphetamine, injectable drugs, and tobacco at higher rates than other individuals. 5
Unfortunately, transgender youth may experience more barriers to accessing behavioral health care than the rest of the LGBTQ community. These barriers include physical and verbal abuse from other clients and staff, clothing requirements based on biological sex instead of their identified gender, and sleep requirements with other individuals based on biological sex. 5
Risk Factors