The Impact of Alcohol on LGBTQIA+

It is common knowledge in our society that people within the LGBTQIA+ community encounter more discrimination, stigma, and stress than cisgender and straight community members. Discriminatory laws are another source of stress against this population that can lead to drug and alcohol use (i.e., discrimination in employment, housing, relationship recognition, and health care). These factors all elevate the risk of someone within this community developing an addiction to alcohol or drugs over the course of their lifetimes. 

In fact, it is estimated that between 20-30% of LGBTQIA+ people use substances, compared to about 9% of the general population.

LGBTQIA+ people turn to tobacco, alcohol, and other substances as a way to cope with the daily challenges that can come from being a sexual or gender minority. And a lack of culturally competent health care services also creates a situation where there are higher-than-average substance use rates. 

When you feel discriminated against by the health care providers meant to help you, it can lead to even more use of the substances you are trying to cut back on or eliminate altogether.

It’s also important to note that bars and clubs have traditionally been seen as “safe spaces” for the LGBT community to gather. According to one source, “targeted marketing efforts by alcohol and tobacco companies exploit the connection many gay and transgender people have to bars and clubs as safe spaces for socializing and increase easy access to tobacco products and alcohol.”

All of these factors contribute to addiction risk for this community.

The LGBTQIA+ community overindex in not only alcohol use, but polysubstance use and substance use disorder (SUD) as well. Polysubstance use occurs when an individual uses more than one drug or substance at the same time or within a short period of time. SUD is a pattern of substance use that affects your health and well-being with common substances that include alcohol, opioids, and marijuana.

In multiple studies, it has been found that LGBTQIA+ individuals:

According to a survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol remains the most commonly used substance for LGB+ people aged 12 or older at 52%, followed by tobacco products (20.6%), nicotine vaping (19.8%), and marijuana (32.1%). Other substances also were reported at under 3%, and LGB+ people were more likely to use illicit drugs than straight people.

If you are living with opioid use, find resources and treatment options at liveloud.org.

If you need more information about cannabis use, visit beintheknowct.org.

According to the SAMHSA survey, more than half of LGB+ alcohol users in the past month were binge drinkers. A binge is considered 4+ drinks for women, or 5+ drinks for men during a single occasion; while heavy drinking is considered 8+ drinks for women or 15+ drinks for men during a single week. Many people who are binge drinkers are also heavy drinkers.

Another study from the National Library of Medicine found that, “Lesbian and bisexual women were still more likely to engage in binge drinking compared with heterosexual women even in states with stronger alcohol policy environments.”

This is important to note because women in general are at increased health risks from alcohol use compared to men. Those health risks increase when it comes to binge drinking or heavy drinking over long periods of time. For more information specifically on women and alcohol use disorder, visit https://ctstronger.org/alcohol-use-disorder/for-women/

For more information on binge drinking, please visit our Binge Drinking page: https://ctstronger.org/alcohol-use-disorder/binge-drinking/

There are always health risks associated with alcohol use, and the LGBTQIA+ community is no different. Here are some risks that could develop from a single drinking event, as well as those associated with longer-term drinking.

Read more on our Health & Safety page: ctstronger.org/alcohol-use-disorder/health-and-safety

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face unique risks when alcohol is involved—both physically and emotionally. Research shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and mental health challenges, all of which can be worsened by alcohol use.

Key concerns include:

Staying aware of surroundings, setting boundaries, and having trusted support can reduce risks. Safer choices around alcohol help protect both mental health and physical safety.

For more information, please visit our Personal Safety page: https://ctstronger.org/alcohol-use-disorder/health-and-safety/personal-safety/