About This Program
LGBTQ+ individuals experience substance use disorders at significantly higher rates than the general population, driven by the cumulative impact of minority stress, discrimination, family rejection, and the psychological toll of navigating a society that has historically marginalized sexual and gender minorities. At Trust SoCal, our JCAHO-accredited treatment center in Fountain Valley, California, we are committed to providing addiction treatment that is not only clinically excellent but genuinely affirming of every client's sexual orientation and gender identity.
The concept of minority stress is central to understanding addiction in the LGBTQ+ community. Chronic exposure to prejudice, microaggressions, internalized homophobia or transphobia, and the constant need to assess safety in social situations creates a persistent state of psychological stress that many LGBTQ+ individuals manage through substance use. Bar and club culture has historically served as one of the few safe social spaces for LGBTQ+ people, but these environments are also centered around alcohol and, in some communities, party drugs including methamphetamine, GHB, and poppers. Chemsex, the use of substances to enhance or enable sexual activity, is another pattern that our clinicians are trained to address with sensitivity and clinical expertise.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals have had negative experiences with healthcare providers who lacked cultural competence or who pathologized their identity. This history of mistreatment creates understandable reluctance to enter treatment. Trust SoCal has made a deliberate commitment to creating a safe, affirming environment from the moment a client contacts us. Our intake process uses inclusive language and collects information about pronouns and chosen names. Our clinical team receives ongoing training in LGBTQ+ cultural competency, and our treatment programming addresses the specific intersections between identity, minority stress, trauma, and addiction.
For transgender and nonbinary clients, we ensure continuity of hormone therapy and coordinate with prescribing providers throughout treatment. Our facility in Fountain Valley provides a welcoming environment where clients can be fully themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. We also connect clients with LGBTQ+-specific recovery communities and support groups that provide ongoing affirmation and belonging after treatment. If you are an LGBTQ+ individual seeking addiction treatment in a safe and affirming environment, call Trust SoCal today at (949) 280-8360.
