Looking for a Gay Drug Rehab or Alcohol Rehab in Florida

For years, drug rehab programs and alcohol rehab programs have been opening in Florida. Everything from detox to inpatient addiction treatment and extended or long term care are available for the general public. There have been drug rehab programs for eating disorders, sexual trauma, men and women, but very few drug rehab programs for the gay and lesbian population. Even today, there are only a handful of drug rehab programs that specialize in gay drug rehab or gay addiction treatment and a few more with specialized gay drug rehab components within the actual drug rehab. While there are many more drug rehab programs with gay a component then true gay drug rehab programs, not many of them have staff trained in issues specific to the gay population. Issues such as homophobia, internalized homophobia, coming out and sexuality often go untouched, not to mention, the sensitivity training that must take place for the other members of the staff.

Certain areas more sensitive to Gay Drug Rehab and Gay Alcohol Rehab

I think it is safe to say there are certain areas in the state of Florida that are more sensitive to the gay, lesbian community than others. Some of the areas might include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville. Each of these cities have substantial gay populations and services to match. It stands to reason that opening a drug rehab with a gay addiction treatment component or a gay drug rehab in these areas might be easier to manage due to the community support and ancillary community services

Jacksonville Florida Drug Rehab Opens Gay Addiction Treatment Component

For as long as anyone can remember, there has not been any drug rehab programs with gay drug rehab components in Jacksonville providing addiction treatment services to the gay and lesbian community. This statement is especially true when we speak of gay drug rehab programs. What is sad is that within the Orlando, St. Augustine, Jacksonville area there is a significant gay, lesbian population. We are happy to report that a drug rehab has opened a gay component within its addiction treatment program called Freedom Rings, which can be found at www.lakeviewfreedomrings.com This may be the beginning of a trend in Northeast Florida to begin paying more attention to treating drug addiction and alcoholism within the gay and lesbian community.

By Jonathan Huttner

Addiction Treatment for Gay Men and Women in a Gay Drug Rehab

I recently received a call from a man who was interested in locating a gay drug rehab. He and his partner were planning a wedding and thought it would be a good idea to get clean and sober before going any further with their lives. After a few weeks in a gay drug rehab and, they agreed that the work they accomplished benefited them as a couple and as individuals. They felt ready to begin the next chapter in their lives.

I offer this example because it is so different from what I usually see. In my intervention work I have found-whether they are lesbian, gay, or straight-that very few people in a relationship with a drug addiction or alcohol addiction seek addiction treatment prior to getting married. Most continue with their drug addiction and alcoholism in denial and hoping things will get better. Needless to say, things rarely get better as the drug addiction or alcoholism becomes more progressive.

It is difficult to move forward in any relationship when drug addiction or alcoholism are present as communication begins to break down, drug use becomes the priority and depression, anger and resentment are all common place.

What to look for in a gay drug rehab:

The most important qualities in a gay drug rehab or gay addiction treatment center are found in having a staff that is sensitive to the needs of the gay / lesbian population (non-homophobic ), a staff trained clinically in how to best address their particular needs and a comprehensive family recovery program. Due to the fact that there is so much anger and shame within the family unit a drug rehab or gay drug rehab needs needs to have a strong family component. The family therapist needs to be skilled to keep addiction treatment from dissolving into the same kind of communication the couple has at home.

The issue of whether to seek a lesbian/gay drug rehab, alcohol rehab or addiction treatment program is something for each couple to decide. There are many gay drug rehabs and drug rehabs with gay components to choose from, but it is important for you and your partner to do your homework. Ask questions of each drug rehab or gay drug rehab regarding staff credentials, licenses and the problems they are equipped to handle.

While many of the problematic dynamics that exist between lesbian and gay male couples are not significantly different from their heterosexual counterparts, the issues can be quite unique. A few of these are:

a. internal and external homophobia.
b. child custody
c. coming out
d. family issues
e. sexuality

How a gay drug rehab help:

Often, couples come to gay addiction treatment or gay drug rehab with the unspoken hope that therapy will change their partner and, when that happens, their problems will disappear. However, since the only person any of us can change is ourselves, the work drug rehab is to recognize our own addiction and take responsibility where appropriate.

Some of the important goals, besides abstinence, of a gay drug rehab is to reduce shame, deal with internalized homophobia and find acceptance. Don't kid yourself, it takes time and willingness.

By Jonathan Huttner

A Gay Drug Rehab Component in a Heterosexual Drug Rehab: The Best Of Both Worlds

Treatment Aspects of Inpatient Drug Rehab

Generally speaking, a drug rehab or alcohol rehab is best described as an inpatient addiction treatment facility specializing in the treatment of drug addiction, alcoholism and dual disorders. Most of the individuals that attend drug rehab go through detox initially, to be followed by the inpatient drug rehab portion of treatment which is clinically driven. Historically, everyone with a variety of disorders or sexual preferences are treated together and expected to adapt. I feel this philosophy is flawed and the expectation placed on patients might be unrealistic. In far too many cases, the issues patients bring into drug rehab or alcohol rehab far exceed their initial ability to just "fit in". This is especially true with gay drug addiction and issues such as; internalized homophobia, coming out, gay relationships and a host of others.

Is a Completely Gay Drug Rehab Best

As advances have been made in the area of gay addiction treatment and gay drug rehab, two distinct philosophies seem to have been adopted. The first is a drug rehab or alcohol rehab which is totally focused on treating the gay, lesbian population. This gay drug rehab only admits gays to addiction treatment. While this might prove beneficial for some segment of the gay population, it might not be realistic for others. Addiction treatment or drug rehab should resemble the real world and an entirely gay drug rehab is not the real world. It is not what the the recovering gay person will face after they are discharged from their gay drug rehab. They will be discharged into a predominantly heterosexual world and all the challenges associated with dealing with heterosexual prejudice, discrimination, homophobia etc.

The Benefits of a Gay Drug Rehab Component

The other philosophy of providing addiction treatment for the gay population in a drug or alcohol rehab lies in developing an gay addiction treatment component within the drug rehab. This provides the gay addict or alcoholic with group settings specific to their population allowing them a safer place to discuss intimate issues they are not yet ready to discuss with a heterosexual. On the other hand, they will still be encouraged to participate in more generalized clinical activities with the rest of the drug rehab community. This drug rehab design allows for the gay person a "safe space" where they will not feel judged and at the same time allow them to practice what they have learned in their groups. To take things a step further, it will also allow the heterosexual to practice recovery skills such as acceptance, unconditional love and honesty.

By Jonathan Huttner