Perceptions of treatment according to sexual orientation in urban substance use disorder (SUD) programs with mostly nonwhite client populations

Abstract

Few studies have compared clients’ perceptions of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment by sexual orientation in programs with mostly nonwhite populations. In eight such SUD programs, treatment satisfaction, therapeutic alliance with counselors, social affiliation with other clients, and treatment connection between 58 self-identified LGB clients, 72 self-identified heterosexual clients with histories of same-gender sexual experiences (Hetero-SGSE), and 503 self-identified heterosexual clients without histories of same-gender sexual experiences (Heterosexual) were compared. Gay/bisexual men reported less social affiliation than Heterosexual men, with low rates of sexual orientation disclosure in treatment. Hetero-SGSE respondents reported less treatment connection than LGB and Heterosexual participants.

Keywords:

• Bisexual
• gay
• lesbian
• sexual orientation
• substance abuse
• substance use disorder treatment (SUD treatment)

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the following individuals for their invaluable assistance in facilitating this research project: Daniel L Lowy, LCSW; Alissa Mallow. DSW, LCSW; Pamela Mattel, LCSW; and Fausto Ramos, LCSW.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research project received funding from the City University of New York Diversity Projects Development Fund.