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Substance Use and Abuse in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations

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Abstract

Despite many gaps in the research on substance abuse and sexual orientation, recent data suggest that, overall, substance use among lesbians and gay men—particularly alcohol use—has declined over the past two decades. However, both heavy drinking and use of drugs other than alcohol appear to be prevalent among young lesbians and gay men. Much less is known about bisexual and transgender women and men, but these groups appear to be at heightened risk for substance abuse. This paper describes current research on prevalence and patterns of substance use and abuse in LGBT populations, examines potential risk and protective factors associated with substance abuse in these populations, and discusses implications for prevention, including prevention research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Administrative Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

    Tonda L. Hughes

  2. College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa

    Michele Eliason

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  1. Tonda L. Hughes
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Correspondence to Tonda L. Hughes.

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Hughes, T.L., Eliason, M. Substance Use and Abuse in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations. The Journal of Primary Prevention 22, 263–298 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013669705086

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