GLBTI young people may be more represented in AOD services due to their higher levels of drug and alcohol use than the general youth population. However, there are some arguments that whilst drug and alcohol use may be higher amongst this cohort of young people, the reality is that many of these studies have been carried out amongst more marginalised groups of young people and those that frequent SSA venues (Howard 2012), where substance use tends to be higher.
Given this, as a practitioner in the AOD field, it is likely they will regularly encounter GLBTI young people in their practice. However, it may be that some or many of these young people are yet to identify with one of the terms, which is important to understand for the development of meaningful engagement with the therapeutic process.
Tips
- Understand the common experiences of GLBTI young people and the factors that often lead to their AOD use and associated risks, don’t make assumptions based on what you think might be the situation, ask the young person themselves.
- Try to avoid equating homosexuality only with sexual behaviour – those who identify as gay have relationships and friendships with one another as well as having sex with one another.
- Where possible, introduce training for all staff to better understand the health and wellbeing needs of GLBTI young people. Be sure to provide relevant literature, toolkits, and guidelines to both educate and support staff in your organisation.
