Pride Month PSA: Why Just 1% of LGB Adults Are Getting Help for Addiction

Only 1% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults with addiction seek treatment, according to data from 2022.

Why?

They don’t think they need it. In 2022, nearly all LGB adults with a substance use disorder who did not receive treatment—over 6 million people—did not perceive a need for treatment.

As we celebrate National Pride Month in June, it’s a good time to call attention to some of the larger issues impacting this community.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals face persistent discrimination, social stigma, and harassment. This can affect their health and well-being in different ways and increase their risk of developing numerous mental health disorders, including addiction.

Research shows that compared to their heterosexual counterparts, lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults report higher rates of binge drinking, illicit drug use, marijuana use, opioid misuse, and mental illness.

Additionally, this same data shows that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are twice as likely to have a substance use disorder than straight adults.

And so many of these individuals are not getting the help they need.

At AdCare Treatment Centers, we are working to close this healthcare disparity. We realize that addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and everyone’s journey to recovery is unique, so treatment plans should be, too.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call us at  to learn more about the programs offered at our inpatient rehab in Rhode Island and our Worcester addiction treatment facility.

Coming out and living proudly takes courage. Just like it takes courage to seek help for a substance use or alcohol disorder. At AdCare, we welcome you with open arms and are ready to help you start the path to recovery today.

Local Pride Month Events in New England

Looking to celebrate Pride Month in the New England area? Check out these local events.

Pride Month Events in Rhode Island

6th Annual Pride Flag Raising in Cranston
Thursday, June 13
4:45 pm
Cranston City Hall
Cranston, RI

Rhode Island PrideFest
Saturday, June 15
Gates open at 11:30 am
Parade kickoff at 8 pm
District Park
Providence, RI

Paper Heart Rainbow Wreaths
Tuesday, June 18
5 pm–6 pm
North Scituate Public Library
North Scituate, RI

United for Pride: An Evening of Drag
Saturday, June 29
8 pm
The United Theatre
Westerly, RI

Pride Month Events in Massachusetts

Drag Story Time
Saturday, June 15
Noon–5 pm
Rushford & Sons Brewhouse
Upton, MA

Gender Roundtable Discussion
Monday, June 17
6:30 pm–8 pm
Hadwen Park Congregational Church
Worcester, MA

Worcester County Pride Pottery Paint Night
Tuesday, June 18
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
ClayTime
Shrewsbury, MA

Movie on the Common—Barbie
Thursday, June 20
6 pm–10 pm
Worcester Common Oval
Worcester, MA

Summer BBQ
Saturday, June 22
6 pm–8 pm
Green Hill Golf Course
Worcester, MA

Fruitlands Celebrates Pride
Sunday, June 23
10 am–7:30 pm
Fruitlands Museum
Harvard, MA