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Despite having an increased risk of substance use, LGBTQ+ college students are less likely to use prevention and intervention services compared to their heterosexual peers. They may not feel safe because of previous negative experiences with campus primary care and mental health professionals and fear of being disciplined for using substances, as well as having experienced discrimination and stigma within the context of their institution of higher education.
As preventionists, we can implement strategies using a comprehensive public health framework to support LGBTQ+ students experiencing substance use concerns and promote a culture of care for our students. Learn about four key strategies that may help to promote such a supportive and welcoming campus environment.
"Historically, 'gay bars,' or bars that are intentionally marketed as Queer bars or predominantly serve Queer communities, have had a presence in Queer culture, acting as a safe haven for Queer people to find community and be themselves, undoubtedly affecting the prevalence of substance use and substance use disorders within this community. Therefore, it is important to recognize this increased risk and begin to try to create more spaces for Queer college students that do not center around substances."
~Cara Fresquez, Megan McCarthy, and Mikhaela McFarlin
Cara Fresquez, Megan McCarthy, and Mikhaela McFarlin are doctoral students in the Counseling Psychology program at the University at Albany, State University of New York. In this month's article, they outline four key strategies to designing drug use prevention services that are supportive and welcoming for LGBTQ+ students.?Visit the Campus Drug Prevention website to read their article, or browse others like it.?
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CampusDrugPrevention.gov?is a United States Government,?Drug?Enforcement Administration (DEA) website. The inclusion of a link on this website does not constitute an official endorsement, guarantee, or approval by DEA.
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