Understanding the stressors and protective factors that influence substance use in LGBTQ+ populations is extremely important to providing optimal prevention, treatment, and recovery care to the population. The Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity and the Opioid Response Network are committed to assuring all LGBTQ+ people seeking support for substance use get affirming care and have partnered to create this animated short outlining important data and best practices for substance use professionals.

Our training is intended to educate service providers on how to deliver affirming treatment and care for LGBTQ+ people who use substances and is meant for practitioners and employees across the spectrum of substance use-related care (e.g., medical providers, behavioral health providers, administrators). The training consists of a facilitated animation, including data on inequities in substance use among LGBTQ+ communities, the context in which these inequities exist (e.g., minority stress framework), and 6 case studies of LGBTQ+ people struggling with substance use. The case studies are accompanied by a series of practical, discussion, and self-reflection questions and a guide for the facilitator of the training.

Learning Objectives:
1) Understand minority stress theory and how systemic biases can lead to substance use disparities among LGBTQ+ communities;
2) Appreciate the extent of substance use and substance use disorder disparities among LGBTQ+ communities;
3) Situate this knowledge within the context of clinical practice;
4) Understand how providing affirming care can support and further resilience among LGBTQ+ people.