Differences in Outcomes, Completion Rates, and Perceptions of Treatment Between White, Black, and Hispanic LGBT Clients in Substance Abuse Programs

Abstract

Research suggests that the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients from racial minority groups may not be adequately addressed in substance abuse treatment. Few research studies, however, have been performed to examine this issue. In New York, 191 LGBT former clients of substance abuse programs completed surveys to determine differences in outcomes, completion rates, and perceptions of treatment among white, black, Hispanic, and “other” participants. No differences in outcomes or completion rates were found between racial groups. White participants, however, in comparison to nonwhite respondents, reported less satisfaction, less connection to the treatment program, and in a multivariate analysis, less therapeutic support.

KEYWORDS:

• gay
• lesbian
• bisexual
• transgender
• race
• African American
• Hispanic
• Latino
• substance abuse treatment

The researcher would like to thank Dr. Barbara Warren, director of Organizational Development, Planning, and Research at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in Manhattan, for allowing this study to recruit participants outside of 12-step meetings in the lobby of that facility.