Specialized Support For Bisexual Individuals in Recovery
Clinically Reviewed by: Mell McCracken
Looking for LGBTQ+ Affirming Care for Bisexual Addiction?
At No Matter What Recovery in Los Angeles, we provide specialized bisexual addiction treatment that addresses the unique challenges faced by bisexual members of the LGBTQ community. Our LGBTQ+ affirming facility understands that bi women and bisexual individuals often experience distinct barriers to recovery, including bisexual erasure and discriminatory practices, that require culturally competent care from addiction professionals.
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What Should You Know About Bisexual Addiction and Substance Use Patterns?
Research consistently shows that LGB individuals face significantly higher rates of drug addiction and alcohol use disorders compared to both heterosexual and gay/lesbian populations. Understanding these disparities is crucial for effective substance abuse treatment:
Key Statistics About Bisexual Addiction:
- The odds of substance use for LGB youth were, on average, 190% higher than for heterosexual youth and substantially higher within some subpopulations of LGB youth (340% higher for bisexual youth, 400% higher for females)
- Polysubstance use increase 10.3% among bisexual female adults from 2021 to 2023
- Bisexual women were at significantly greater risk for multiple substance use behaviors relative to lesbian/gay women
These statistics highlight why specialized bisexual addiction treatment is essential for successful treatment outcomes.
Why Do Bisexual Individuals Need Specialized Addiction Treatment?
Bisexual individuals often face rejection from both heterosexual and gay/lesbian communities, creating what the minority stress model identifies as “double minority stress.” This includes experiencing homophobia from straight communities and biphobia from gay culture, leading to isolation that frequently contributes to drug dependence and alcohol dependence syndrome as coping mechanisms.
Unlike other sexual orientations, bisexuality is often questioned or dismissed as “experimentation,” leading to internalized shame and self-doubt that can fuel alcohol-related problems and drug-related problems.
Bisexual individuals also consistently report less social support than both heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals, making recovery more challenging without proper social network connections within recovery communities.
Bisexual individuals face increased rates of domestic violence incidents, sexual violence, gender-based violence, and hate crimes, which significantly impact mental illness rates and contribute to substance abuse patterns.
How Do We Approach Specialized Treatment for Bisexual Addiction?
Identity-Affirming Therapy
Our addiction professionals are specially trained in LGBTQ+ issues and understand that sexual identity plays a crucial role in recovery. Our approach includes:
- Validating bisexual identity as authentic and important
- Addressing internalized biphobia, homophobia, and shame
- Exploring connections between minority stress and binge drinking or marijuana use patterns
- Building healthy coping strategies for discrimination
- Developing pride and self-acceptance while addressing gender and identity concerns
Trauma-Informed Care
Many bisexual individuals have experienced trauma related to their sexual orientation. Our trauma-informed treatment addresses:
- Sexual orientation-related trauma and rejection
- Family of origin issues and coming out experiences
- Domestic violence and intimate partner violence experiences
- Workplace discrimination and social rejection
- Building resilience and post-traumatic growth
Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities
Our bisexual addiction treatment incorporates proven therapeutic approaches:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addiction and mental health
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation
- EMDR therapy for trauma processing
- Group therapy utilizing social learning theory principles
How Do We Treat Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues in Bisexual Individuals?
We understand that bisexual addiction often co-occurs with mental illness. Our dual diagnosis approach treats:
Common Co-Occurring Conditions:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from trauma experiences
- Eating disorders and body image issues
- Personality disorders
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
- Psychotic symptoms when present
Specialized Considerations for Gender Variant Individuals: We also provide culturally competent care for transgender and gender variant individuals within the bisexual community, addressing transphobia and unique gender-related stressors.
What Makes No Matter What Recovery Different for Bisexual Addiction Treatment?
Culturally Competent Addiction Professionals
Our treatment team includes LGBTQ+ affirming therapists, counselors, and medical professionals who understand bisexual experiences. All staff receive ongoing training in LGBTQ+ cultural competency and bisexual-specific issues, including understanding social norms within LGB communities.
Safe and Affirming Environment
We’ve created a treatment environment where bisexual individuals can be authentic without fear of judgment or discriminatory practices. Our policies explicitly protect against biphobia and ensure equal treatment for all clients regardless of gender identity or expression.
Comprehensive Family Support and Advocacy
We offer family education and therapy services to help loved ones understand bisexuality and support their family member’s recovery journey. This includes addressing family rejection and rebuilding healthy relationships through advocacy and education.
Networking and Community Connections
We help clients build healthy social networks within recovery communities while addressing how peer influence and social norms within gay culture may impact their recovery journey.
How Do We Help You Overcome Barriers to Bisexual Addiction Treatment?
Common Concerns We Address
“Will I be judged for my sexuality?” Never. Our entire program celebrates LGBTQ+ identities and provides a completely judgment-free environment where you can focus on healing from drug addiction or alcohol use disorders.
“Do I have to be ‘out’ to participate?” We meet you wherever you are in your journey. Whether you’re fully out, questioning, or exploring your identity, we provide unconditional support while respecting your comfort level with outness.
“Will you try to change my sexual orientation?” Absolutely not. We affirm your bisexual identity and work to help you develop a healthy relationship with your authentic self while addressing substance abuse issues.
“Can you help with other issues like domestic violence?” Yes. Our comprehensive approach addresses domestic violence, sexual violence, and other trauma experiences that may contribute to substance use patterns.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Recovery?
Bisexual addiction recovery is possible with the right support and understanding. At No Matter What Recovery, we’re committed to providing the specialized, affirming care you deserve while addressing the unique clinical implications of treating bisexual individuals. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.
Mell McCracken, CADC-II, ASAT, RAE
Mell McCracken is the Executive Director of No Matter What Recovery, serving as the leader of the clinical treatment program and overseeing our sexualized drug use curriculum.
Mell is nationally and internationally recognized as an LGBT+ educator, co-author, and treatment provider. They also serve as faculty member at the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Specialists. They are committed to uplifting voices and breaking stigmas, one conversation at a time, and have spent their career fighting for inclusivity and empowerment through chemsex education and LGBT+ activism.