Experiences of and Recommendations for LGBTQ+-affirming Substance Use Services: an exploratory qualitative descriptive...

Course overview

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.