The rate of addiction among queer folks has been acknowledged by researchers and advocates for decades. Drinking and drug culture has become interwoven into queer identity for a number of reasons. One, being that bars and clubs have been a safer space for queer people to socialize and gather since the 50s and most likely, earlier. In addition, due to the high rates of violence and homophobia experienced by the queer community, many of us live with significant trauma. There is a high intersectionality between traumatic experiences, PTSD and addiction. Often times, the addiction begins as a way to escape from challenging feelings. There is then a physical and mental addiction to the substance itself that is then developed. Often times, people who struggle with addiction long term, no longer “enjoy” using the substances they have developed an addiction to. Rather, they continue to use to avoid withdrawal symptoms or the underlying trauma that caused them to use in the first place. Substances such as alcohol, cocaine and MDMA are normalized in party culture.
Reframing Queer Sobriety as an Act of Rebellion
Reframing Queer Sobriety as an Act of…
Reframing Queer Sobriety as an Act of Rebellion
The rate of addiction among queer folks has been acknowledged by researchers and advocates for decades. Drinking and drug culture has become interwoven into queer identity for a number of reasons. One, being that bars and clubs have been a safer space for queer people to socialize and gather since the 50s and most likely, earlier. In addition, due to the high rates of violence and homophobia experienced by the queer community, many of us live with significant trauma. There is a high intersectionality between traumatic experiences, PTSD and addiction. Often times, the addiction begins as a way to escape from challenging feelings. There is then a physical and mental addiction to the substance itself that is then developed. Often times, people who struggle with addiction long term, no longer “enjoy” using the substances they have developed an addiction to. Rather, they continue to use to avoid withdrawal symptoms or the underlying trauma that caused them to use in the first place. Substances such as alcohol, cocaine and MDMA are normalized in party culture.