NCJ Number
189874
Date Published
2001
Length
215 pages
Annotation
This book presented information to assist providers in improving substance abuse treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients by raising awareness about the issues unique to LGBT clients resulting in more effective treatment and improved treatment outcomes.
Abstract
Clients bring their unique history and background into treatment; furthering providers understanding of individual’s differences helps ensure that clients are treated with respect, while improving the likelihood of effective substance abuse treatment interventions. This document sought to inform administrators and clinicians about appropriate diagnosis and treatment approaches to help ensure the development or enhancement of effective lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) sensitive programs. It serves as both a reference tool and program guide, providing statistical and demographic information, prevalence data, case examples and suggested interventions, treatment guidelines and approaches, and organizational policies and procedures. The book focused on two of the most important audiences for successful program development and implementation, clinicians and administrators. The book was divided into three primary sections. Section I provided an introduction for both audiences and included information on sexual orientation, legal issues, and treatment approaches and modalities from a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender standpoint. Section II was written for the practicing clinician offering information on clinical issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients, an introduction to strategies and methods for improving current services to LGBT individuals, and steps for starting LGBT sensitive programs. Section II developed for program administrators provided an overview of the issues that need to be addressed when developing an LGBT program or when expanding current services for LGBT clients. It offered the data needed to build a strong foundation for a program. In addition, it provided resources and strategies for working with managed care organizations and building alliances and cooperative arrangements to coordinate efforts on behalf of LGBT individuals so members of the LGBT population can promote self-help programs within their own communities. Besides increasing awareness of the need for LGBT sensitive treatment services and helping those involved in the treatment process become more aware of LGBT issues, the book served an important public health function, educating LGBT about the availability and importance of various vaccines and in the prevention of susceptible diseases. Appendices included additional information on glossary of terms, references, acronyms, and studies on LGBT substance abuse.