There is a higher rate of tobacco, alcohol, and substance use in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and questioning (LGBTTQ) people, compared with heterosexuals; often associated with high levels of stress that comes from social prejudice and oppression, stigmatization, marginalization, and violence, and because of discrimination in employment, housing, relationship lack of recognition and health care. Stress that comes from daily battles with discrimination and stigma is a principle driver of the higher rates of substance use, as LGBTTQ people turn to tobacco, alcohol, and other substances as a way to cope with this challenges.
Hispanic and Latino members of the LGBTTQ community may face additional stress associated to racism, often experiencing discrimination not only from the general population, but from mostly White LGBTTQ people.
Population of focus: Hispanic and Latino members of the LGBTTQ community
Link to resource: Issue brief (pdf)
Date: 2013
Organization: Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network