New Jersey LGBTQ+ Addiction Recovery Resources

Sobriety for All
Recovery Resources for LGBTQ+

Members of the LGBTQ+ community face a unique set of daily challenges that ultimately render them more susceptible to substance abuse and dependence. In fact, numerous studies point towards the fact that members of this specific demographic are roughly two times as likely to struggle with addiction than their counterparts. The National Institute on Drug Abuse directed the The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III, which determined that people who identified as gay or lesbian were twice as likely to suffer from a severe alcohol abuse disorder, and people who identified as bisexual were three times as likely to suffer from this type of substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse is common among children, young adults and older adults who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to the 2013-2015 California Health Kids Survey (CHKS), for example, transgender students are about two and a half times more likely to use illicit drugs than their cisgender peers. Using chemical substances earlier on in life increases the risk of developing addiction in adulthood significantly.

Risk Factors

Why is the risk of substance abuse and dependence so much higher among members of the LGBTQ+ demographic? From a young age, community members experience a greater amount of societal and familial rejection, bullying, harassment, discrimination and judgment. They might feel ostracized and have no one to relate to or no one to seek support from. Despite the fact that our society has made ample progress as far as the legalization of gay marriage and other advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, we still have a long way to go as far as widespread acceptance and inclusivity. The good news is that many treatment centers are now offering demographic-specific services for members of the LGBTQ+ community; and therapists have become much more familiar with the specific challenges that members of this community face. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we stand by inclusivity and are proud to offer comprehensive and effective addiction treatment services to all those in need.

Addiction in New Jersey

Over the course of the past several years rates of substance abuse and dependence have been increasing throughout the country. Certain states have been especially hard hit — including the state of New Jersey. Princeton Detox & Recovery Center opened its doors in response to the skyrocketing rates of addiction statewide, providing individuals of all ages and demographics with effective and readily accessible detox services.

The State of New Jersey publishes a statewide Substance Abuse Overview on an annual basis. In 2019 there were a reported 30,651 treatment admissions directly linked to alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The majority of treatment admissions were linked to heroin, with 41,854 reported over the course of the same year. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nearly 90 percent of the drug overdose deaths in New Jersey in 2018 were directly linked to an opioid narcotic like heroin. There were 2,900 reported fatalities, and 2,583 were linked to heroin, prescription painkillers (like oxycodone and hydrocodone) and synthetic opioids (like fentanyl).

While drug addiction can affect anyone at any time, rates of substance abuse are higher among members of the LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey. Unfortunately, many members of this community face challenges when it comes to receiving adequate addiction treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and currently living in the Tri-State area, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. 

LGBTQ+ Recovery Resources

New Jersey is rich with resources for LGBTQ+ community members who are seeking a life in recovery.

New Jersey Recovery Resources for LGBTQ+ Community Members:

• The State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families provides a comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ resources
• PFLAG Jersey Shore also provides a comprehensive list of statewide resources
• The Pride Center of New Jersey provides support groups for members of this demographic who might be facing discrimination or dealing with feelings of isolation and rejection
• Gay & Sober lists a range of LGBTQ+ friendly Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings in New Jersey
• The New Jersey Round Up is another Alcoholics Anonymous meeting list for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender identifying people
• Central Jersey Intergroup also lists Princeton-specific LGBTQ+ meetings 

For a more comprehensive list of resources, contact us at any point in time.

Begin Your Recovery Journey

Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is part of the Guardian Recovery Network, a leader in substance use disorder treatment with two decades of experience providing a full continuum of care for clients and their families throughout the recovery process. The Princeton Detox experience was created by top addiction treatment professionals and using extensive feedback from clients to create a truly unique and highly effective program. We serve as the Tri-State Area’s leading substance use disorder detoxification center. Our staff members utilize detoxification protocols designed to comfortably and safely eliminate physical dependence while helping clients take the first step in their recovery. Princeton Detox utilizes a combination of evidence-based practices and holistic methods to provide an individualized recovery experience that is tailored to each patient’s unique situation. The disease of chemical dependency can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, education, or socioeconomic status. Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is here to help people redirect themselves out of that negative trajectory and successfully enter a new life free from addiction. For more information on our program or on LGBTQ+ recovery resources in New Jersey, contact us today.