DrugRehab.com provides information regarding illicit and prescription drug
addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and
psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting
the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.
In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on
outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.
Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use
prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.
A homeless facility dedicated to housing LGBT young people opened July 30 in Orlando.
The three-bedroom, two-bath home includes 24-hour security and counseling and case management services. It provides short-term housing for up to eight people, aged 18 to 24, at a time. The facility currently houses five people.
Its location is confidential to protect the safety of its residents.
The Zebra Coalition, an Orlando-based nonprofit that assists the LGBT community, oversees the facility. Aspire Health Partners, which provides access to behavioral health services, helped fund the $216,000 home.
The facility opens at a time when a growing number of young people identify as gay or transgender. About 40 percent of homeless youths identify as LGBT, according to the Williams Institute.
Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan says the home is a critical component toward overcoming homelessness.
“Imagine if you’re young and you get thrown out of the house because of who you are — and you have no place to go,” Sheehan told the Orlando Sentinel.
LGBT and Substance Abuse
LGBT young people often battle social stigma and discrimination. Many of them face rejection by their families, which can lead to homelessness.
“Forty-six percent [of LGBT people] say family rejection led to their homelessness,” Heather Wilkie, Zebra Coalition director, told DrugRehab.com.
Living on the streets gives way to more problems, including substance abuse. In fact, LGBT individuals have the highest rates of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, per the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
A 2004 study published by the Society for the Study of Addiction found elevated drug use among homosexually active people. Men reported high levels of marijuana, cocaine and heroin use. Women were likely to use marijuana and analgesics.
Wilkie estimated about 45 percent of the facility’s clients have a substance use disorder.
“It’s one of the main behaviors they engage in,” Wilkie said.
LGBT people experience high rates of violence, suicide and substance abuse. The Zebra Coalition aims to reverse these trends and help homeless LGBT people become self-sufficient.
Established in 2010, the coalition provides help to at-risk LGBT youths, aged 13 to 24. The organization comprises social service providers, agencies, schools and universities.
The Zebra Coalition aims to foster hope, dignity and self-respect among the LGBT community.
The organization has provided limited housing to homeless people in the Orlando area. However, these apartment units were inadequate, Wilkie told the Orlando Sentinel. The new facility offers more space.
“And because they’ll all be in the same home, they’ll be able to support one another and have a sense of family,” said Wilkie.
The coalition has helped members of the community before, including Denard McNeal.
McNeal, a gay man, was living on the streets at 21 years old. After a series of misfortunes, he ascended the Conroy Road Bridge, considering suicide.
Strangers pulled him down. Days later, he found the Zebra Coalition. The organization provided him with housing, counseling, food assistance and employment training. He now works full time and has his own apartment.
“This organization has been the best thing that could have happened to me,” he told the Orlando Sentinel. “They let me know: You’re beautiful just the way you are.”
For more information on the Zebra Coalition, visit zebrayouth.org or call (407) 228-1446.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Share
View Sources
Cochran, S.D. et al. (2004, August). Prevalence of non-medical drug use and dependence among homosexually active men and women in the US population. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190042/
Myers, B. (2016, July 29). Youth shelter hopes to get Central Florida kids off street. Retrieved from http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2016/7/29/youth_shelter_hopes_.html
National Coalition for the Homeless. (n.d.). LGBT Homelessness. Retrieved from http://nationalhomeless.org/issues/lgbt/
Santich, K. (2016, July 29). Zebra Coalition opens new home for LGBT youth. Retrieved from http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/gay-lesbian/os-lgbt-youth-shelter-zebra-coalition-20160729-story.html
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2010, June). Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Gays and Lesbians. Retrieved from http://media.samhsa.gov/data/spotlight/Spotlight004GayLesbians.pdf
Zebra Coalition. (n.d.). Mission. Retrieved from http://zebrayouth.org/about-us/
Go To:
Looking for help?
Our recovery programs are designed with you in mind.
Calls will be answered by a qualified admissions representative with Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), the owners of DrugRehab.com. We look forward to helping you!
Phone calls to treatment center listings not associated with ARS will go directly to those centers. DrugRehab.com and ARS are not responsible for those calls.
