Understanding and treating opioid use disorders in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer populations

Abstract

Although little is known about the specific burden of the opioid epidemic on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations, there is evidence to suggest that opioid use disorders are disproportionately prevalent in the LGBTQ community. In this commentary, we present an overview of the current state of evidence on opioid use and misuse among LGBTQ-identified people in the United States and suggest ways to adapt behavioral health interventions to the specific needs of this population. Programs that integrate behavioral health with primary care, address minority stress, and use a trauma-informed approach have the most potential to produce effective, long-term benefits for LGBTQ-identified people with opioid use disorders.

Keywords:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• gay
• opioid-related disorders
• opioids
• prescription drug misuse
• sexual and gender minorities
• substance use disorders

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by grant U30CS22742 from the Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Primary Health Care to Dr. A. S. Keuroghlian, the Principal Investigator. The funder was not involved in the writing of the article or in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Notes on contributors

Michael P. Girouard

A.K. developed the original conceptual framework and provided clinical expertise. M.G. wrote the text based on concepts developed by A.K. and M.G. H.G. edited the text, contributed to the literature search, and helped to shape the content. All authors reviewed the final manuscript.

Hilary Goldhammer

A.K. developed the original conceptual framework and provided clinical expertise. M.G. wrote the text based on concepts developed by A.K. and M.G. H.G. edited the text, contributed to the literature search, and helped to shape the content. All authors reviewed the final manuscript.

Alex S. Keuroghlian

A.K. developed the original conceptual framework and provided clinical expertise. M.G. wrote the text based on concepts developed by A.K. and M.G. H.G. edited the text, contributed to the literature search, and helped to shape the content. All authors reviewed the final manuscript.