![Sample our Social Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110822/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Social-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Substance use is very common among adolescents with as many as 50% reporting use of illicit substances and 80% reporting use of alcohol by their senior year of high school. Gay and lesbian teens are reported to be at greater risk for substance use. Stress mediates this increased risk due to the contradiction of needing to establish an integrated sense of self, while doing so runs the risk of peer and family rejection, fears for personal safety, and the ongoing experience of homophobic remarks and jokes that are common in today's high schools. Assessment for substance abuse in adolescents needs to be comprehensive, documenting a patient's sexual history, his or her stage in the coming out process, and issues of safety at home, school and the community. Gay-sensitive treatment planning can facilitate greater treatment compliance and abstinence.