Fact or Crap? 20% to 30% of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex population have substance abuse problems.
FACT. Lesbians and Gays are at a much higher risk than the heterosexual population for alcohol and drug abuse. The LGBTI population is more susceptible to substance abuse than heterosexuals because of social norms, heterosexism, internalized homophobia, and increased discrimination and violence.
Fact or Crap? Marijuana is not addictive
CRAP. More than 150,000 Americans enter treatment each year because of addiction to marijuana. Recent research has shown that frequent use of pot can lead to dependence. Heavy users have reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they have not used the drug for a period of time.
Fact or Crap? People who can't stop using drugs are weak or immoral.
CRAP. Individuals who become dependent on drugs or alcohol are victims of a real illness. Most people who struggle with substances and become addicted would quit if they could. It is not a question of morality, but instead a matter of science. Also, there is a genetic link to substance abuse and addiction that has been proven time and again.
Fact or Crap? Lesbians use marijuana and cocaine less than heterosexual women do.
CRAP. Marijuana and cocaine use has been found to be higher among lesbians than among heterosexual women (McKirnan & Peterson, 1989). Although LGBTI persons use and abuse alcohol and all types of drugs, certain drugs seem to be more popular in the LGBTI community than in the majority community. In a 1992 survey of San Francisco lesbians and bisexual women, 30% had used drugs other than alcohol; one in seven women had experienced violence when drunk or high, and 29% reported sexual abuse.