Drugs, alcohol & smoking
Research shows that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people are 2-3 times more likely than heterosexual people to suffer from drugs and alcohol addiction. Reasons for this include:
(a) the problems of dealing with societal oppression;
(b) using alcohol and drugs as a means of coping with depression;
(c) the pivotal role of bars in gay social networks, where LGB people feel safer and more at ease than in the wider variety of ‘straight' places.
Click here to read more about drugs
Alcohol is a depressant drug which means that it temporarily ‘switches off’ or ‘slows down’ parts of the brain and central nervous system.
Many people enjoy a drink because it helps them to feel more relaxed, less shy and more confident. Some people use it to block out upsetting thoughts or feelings, or sometimes just so that they feel like they can ‘fit in’.
Many people enjoy a drink because it helps them to feel more relaxed, less shy and more confident. Some people use it to block out upsetting thoughts or feelings, or sometimes just so that they feel like they can ‘fit in’.
Click here to read more about alcohol
Nearly all regular smokers become addicted. LGB people are:
- More likely to smoke in comparison with heterosexuals.
- Less likely to access services which assist them to give up.
- 70% of people who do smoke wish they didn’t.
- An average smoker spends almost £2000 per year on cigarettes.
So why should you give up smoking?
