When they tried to make Amy go to rehab, she said, “No, no, no.” But as a gay man who’s been there, done that, got the therapy—and the T-shirt—I’m telling you, “Go! Go! Go!”
Because here’s the truth: there’s nothing shameful about needing help or looking for support. Healing is in. Vulnerability is the new strength. And if we’ve learnt anything over the last few years, it’s that while survival is one thing, thriving is a whole other vibe.
The world is a mess. Everything’s changed post-COVID. We’re all still wobbling a little—emotionally, financially, spiritually. So, if you’re feeling like you’ve been spinning your wheels, stuck in patterns, or quietly struggling with substance use, you’re not alone. Especially if you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Let’s talk about it. Without judgment. With love. With honesty.
Why Is Addiction So Prevalent in the Queer Community?
It’s not just about partying a bit hard at the club on weekends or going too big at brunch. Addiction in our community often has deeper roots. We live in a world that—for many of us—told us we weren’t enough from an early age.
Growing up queer, we often get handed an invisible backpack full of shame, rejection, bullying, exclusion, religious trauma, family silence, or worse. And we carry that weight into adulthood, trying to outrun it, suppress it, or numb it out. Substances can become a way to cope, to connect, to feel free.
Internalised homophobia, transphobia, and the ever-nagging belief that we’re not good enough can play on repeat in our heads like a cursed remix. That self-doubt doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s learnt—programmed by society, often by religion, sometimes even by our own families. And unless we unlearn it, those old playlists keep playing yesterday’s tunes, quietly fuelling our unhealthy coping strategies.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate, but it does have favourite targets. Queer folks are disproportionately affected. Studies show we face higher rates of:
- Substance use and addiction
- Mental health issues
- Suicide
- Homelessness
- Violence and trauma
This isn’t because something is wrong with us—it’s because of what’s been done to us, and the lack of safe, affirming spaces to heal.
Rehab Isn’t What You Think It Is
Let’s be honest: the word “rehab” still carries a bit of drama with it. Many of us imagine state-run institutions with thin mattresses, cold hallways, dry toast for breakfast, and a schedule built around church services.
That’s not healing. That’s prison with group therapy.
But rehab doesn’t have to be that way. The right support should feel safe, affirming, and tailored to your needs—especially if you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Finding the Right Support
If your gut is whispering “I might need help,”—please, listen to it. You’re not weak for wanting to feel better. You’re not broken for struggling. And you’re not alone.
Self-work isn’t a one-and-done moment of epiphany. It’s a lifelong process—and it’s absolutely worth doing.
When looking for help, prioritise spaces that:
- Respect your identity and pronouns.
- Offer trauma-informed care.
- Understand the unique challenges faced by queer individuals.
- Provide science-backed, wellness-focused approaches.
Whether you’re deep in the struggle or just quietly questioning your relationship with substances, know this: There is help. There is hope.
Article courtesy of The Foundation Recovery Clinic. Based in Oaklands, Johannesburg, the clinic offers a non-judgmental, professional team that prioritises diversity and respects your identity. For more information, call/WhatsApp (061) 526 0581 or visit thefoundationclinic.co.za. There is wholeness in wellness. And you deserve both. Reach out today. You don’t have to do this alone.
