New revelations in yesterdays Guardian reports on how the UK's gay's and lesbians are way more likely to put themselves in harms way from drug misuse than heterosexuals!
A new Home Office funded report suggests an urgent rethink is needed now on how addiction agencies and physicians target and support minority groups.
This new report, from the UK Drug Policy Commission, scheduled for publication on Monday, claims drug services are of little relevance to the gay community. The Impact of Drugs on Different Minority Groups: A Review of the UK Literature says that a 'better understanding' of drug use within diverse minority communities is needed. Te report also mentions how the LGBT community is often at the forefront of emerging drug cultures and trends. And by watching more closely the gay scene they will be able to better predict areas of major concern before they become widespread.
Key findings in the study as reported by the Guardian are:
■ Illicit drug use among LGBT groups is higher than among their heterosexual counterparts
■ LGBT people may also be at risk of misusing other drugs, such as steroids
■ Use of some types of drugs may be associated with risky behaviour, including exposure to HIV infection.
Recent figures from the British Crime Survey estimate 10% of straights took illegal drugs last year, compared to a staggering 33% of gay or bisexual people.
"We've been lobbying service providers, clinics and healthcare centres to consider how they can ensure lesbian, gay and bisexual people are getting value for money," Gary Nunn from equality charity Stonewall said. Adding that heavy drug use could be linked to deeper mental issues that may make them more susceptible to drug misuse. "Homophobic bullying in schools has had a hangover effect, storing up mental health problems later on. People's self-esteem takes a battering and this continues into adult life."
The report suggests that health officials should try new approaches to prevention, such as using social networking sites, as a way of changing drug-using behaviour among LGBT groups.
Jason Shaw
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