Many of us in the LGBTQ+ community have either personally experienced recreational drug and substance use or encountered it through others.
We may also have faced — or know someone who has faced — challenges in managing this use, which can sometimes negatively affect one’s health, work, and relationships.
We Are at Higher Risk
Research — admittedly much of it international — indicates that LGBTQ+ people have higher rates of addiction and substance use than our straight or cisgender peers.
According to the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 20–30% of LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with substance abuse, compared to 9% of the general population.
Local data, as little as there is, appears to reflect similar trends. A 2006 Triangle Project / Unisa study of LGBTQ+ people in the Western Cape found that 24% of participants reported using recreational drugs.
Certain parts of our community may also be more vulnerable to specific kinds of drug use. Some gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men engage in what’s known as chemsex — the use of stimulant drugs to enhance and prolong sexual activity.
This often involves substances like crystal meth (Tina), GHB/GBL (Liquid G), and methcathinone (Cat), and can include parties and gatherings centred on these “chems.”
Why Are We Different?
It’s important to understand that LGBTQ+ people are not naturally predisposed to substance use. Instead, we are often deeply impacted by a society that marginalises and stigmatises us.
For many, substance use becomes a coping mechanism for what psychologists call minority stress, as well as internalised homophobia and shame linked to our sexual and gender identities.
Because of this social conditioning, some queer individuals may find it harder to be social, intimate or vulnerable without using stimulants or relaxants.
Morality, Criminality and Health
Substance use is not the same as addiction. Some people use drugs recreationally without experiencing obvious negative consequences. However, there are still risks — including the development of addiction and other health-related issues such as HIV and STI transmission, overdose, and long-term physical or mental health complications.
Alcohol, for instance, is widely accepted and normalised in our society. Many people drink without issue. But for others, it becomes a chronic problem that can devastate individuals, families, and communities.
Traditionally, our society — and the criminal justice system — has treated recreational substance use as a moral failing or criminal offence. This approach often leads to shame and stigma, causing those who need support to avoid seeking it.
However, there is a growing movement to approach substance use primarily as a public health issue, especially at the individual level. The harm reduction model, for example, doesn’t aim to stop all use but rather focuses on empowering individuals to reduce risks and access support if needed.
Where Can I Get Help?
If you believe your substance use is negatively affecting your life and you’re struggling to stop, it might be time to reach out for help.
If you can afford it, speaking with a counsellor or psychologist is a good first step. They can help you understand your relationship with substances and refer you to additional support.
Letting go of the shame and stigma around getting help is crucial — asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.
Here are some resources you can turn to:
- Alcoholics Anonymous: www.aasouthafrica.org.za
- Narcotics Anonymous: www.na.org.za
- Co-Anon (for those affected by someone else’s substance use): Facebook page
- SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24-hour Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14
- SANCA (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence): Specialised, affordable prevention and treatment services. WhatsApp: 076 535 1701 | Website: www.sancanational.info
A Time for Compassion and Community
Substance use in the LGBTQ+ community is not a moral failure, but often a response to deep social and emotional wounds. If we want to build a healthier, stronger queer community, we must replace judgement with compassion, and shame with support.
By understanding the root causes and ensuring that no one faces their struggle alone, we can create space for healing, connection and real transformation.
