It’s officially the end of dry January, time to get smashed! Though, is it really the time to get wrecked? If you have participated successfully or ‘failed’ to do so, give yourself a pat on your back. You can always give sobriety another go, either for permanent or if it is a temporary thing, just remember there is no such thing as failure. Any day can be the start of you kicking out some bad habits. It just takes time.
The general LGBT night scene seems to be dominated with alcohol and drug infused madness. We are constantly reminded the LGBT community are more likely to take illicit drugs and drink heavily in comparison to the heterosexual community. Pride being one of the main examples of the LGBT community (and allies) celebrating the LGBT history in high spirits and booze. Whilst cycling through Piccadilly, I was astounded by the trail of plastic cups and vodka leading me up to the Gay Village, I mean at least I didn’t get lost but it does seem like drugs and alcohol appears to be the essence of Pride. Of course, Pride is not where indulgence of drugs and alcohol only occurs, Christmas is the time where everyone literally gets merry, I did. It appears we are in subdued in a culture where a whole a bottle of wine or smoking a joint each night are easily justified for having a bad day or having a great day. These ‘tiny’ habits can lead to misuse, it can happen to anyone. Drugs and alcohol misuse is something that needs to be addressed more in the LGBT community.
Chem-Sex is the big one and regularly receives attention globally in media, understandably why as the risks associated with the act are immense. Yet, drugs and alcohol misuse in the Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer women’s community is rarely addressed in the media. Moreover, personal experiences of drugs and alcohol misuse from Lesbian and Bisexual women are unknown. Studies have shown Lesbian and Bisexual women are more likely to drink more excessively and smoke cannabis recreationally compared to our male counterparts. Although not as extreme as chem-sex, this doesn’t necessarily mean the LBQ community are not risk of addiction or substance abuse. At the LGBT Foundation and SMART are planning to set up a women’s only drop in session for women to seek advice and empower themselves.
If you are or know someone who is struggling with drugs and alcohol misuse due to mental health, work or personal issues, feel free to drop us a message or ring our helpline 0345 3 30 30 30 for further advice. Those outside of the UK and are in the UK look at our guides for further information.
http://lgbt.foundation/who-we-help/women/mental-health
http://lgbt.foundation/how-we-can-help-you/drug-and-alcohol-support/drug-and-alcohol-advice-for-lesbian-bi-and-trans-women
