This exploratory qualitative descriptive study investigates the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with substance use (SU) services and their recommendations for LGBTQ+-affirming care. Through in-depth interviews with 23 LGBTQ+ people who use opioids and other drugs, the study identifies stigma, discrimination, and support experienced at the patient, staff, and organizational levels within SU services. The results highlight the impact of minority stress and coping responses on SU treatment engagement and retention. The study provides concrete recommendations, such as implementing non-discrimination policies, creating LGBTQ+-specific programming, and adopting gender-inclusive structures, to reduce SU disparities and improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ populations.
This course is based on the reading-based online article, Experiences of and Recommendations for LGBTQ+‐affirming Substance Use Services: an exploratory qualitative descriptive study with LGBTQ+ people who use opioids and other drugs created by Margaret M. Paschen‐Wolff, DrPH et al in 2024.
Publication Date
BioMed Central LTD January 3, 2024
Course Material Authors
Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.
Margaret M. Paschen‐Wolff, DrPH
Dr. M.P. Wolff is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. They have extensive experience in qualitative research and substance use treatment studies with a focus on LGBTQ+ populations. This is their first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.
E.A. Paine, PhD (Sociology)
Dr. E.A. Paine is associated with the Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research at Columbia University School of Nursing. They specialize in psychology and have conducted research related to the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in substance use contexts. This is their first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Kathryn Held, Psy. D associate and CADC III, is an individual therapist at Visions adolescent treatment centers. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, Kathryn specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and the OCD spectrum. Kathryn also has expertise in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents while navigating complex family systems. Her current research projects include adolescent suicide and the use of OCD art interventions in anxiety and OCD treatment. She is trained in CBT, ACT and Exposure and Response Prevention. Her empathetic and artistic approach helps support, educate, and instill agency in her clients. Prior to joining the Visions team, Kathryn worked in various treatment settings including detox, sober living, and as the Program Director of a dual diagnosis outpatient treatment center.
Recommended For
Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for intermediate and above levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Identify the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in substance use services, including experiences of stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing affirming care.
Analyze the impact of patient-, staff-, and organizational-level experiences, such as bullying, name-calling, sexual harassment, misgendering, and lack of intervention in peer bullying, on LGBTQ+ individuals’ engagement in substance use services.
Develop strategies to implement LGBTQ+-affirming substance use services, and assess the effectiveness of supportive practices like community-building with LGBTQ+ peers and staff advocacy in mitigating minority stress and improving treatment outcomes.
Availability
This course is available starting Nov 6th, 2024 and expires Nov 5th, 2034
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited
Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity –
including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial
relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and
the reviewer:
Planners and Reviewers
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
Material Authors
Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.
Course Creator
Kathryn Held – No Disclosures to report
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
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