Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals face marked disparities in substance use. The present narrative review explores research on substance use in SGM communities using a minority stress theory lens. We define the SGM population and minority stress, and explore stresses and substance use disparities in adolescence, adulthood, and older age. Though research on this topic is beginning to highlight the relationship between stress and substance use for SGM individuals, more work is needed on older SGM populations and in translating research findings to effective interventions.
Highlights
Disparities in substance use rates exist for sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals across the lifespan (Saewyc, 2011)
The terms transgender, or transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC), are often used as umbrella terms to include a range of individuals who may be transgender; the term “cisgender” applies to individuals whose sex assigned at birth aligns with gender identity
Research on SGM social support has demonstrated that it may be a protective factor against minority stressors or substance use (e.g., Lehavot and Simoni, 2011; Pflum et al, 2015), many assessments of SGM community involvement do not delineate the types of activities one engages in
Summary
Disparities in substance use rates exist for sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals across the lifespan (Saewyc, 2011). Among the theoretical frameworks used to understand health disparities among SGM populations, minority stress theory (Meyer, 1995, 2003) is the current dominant theoretical paradigm. This framework emphasizes both social/environmental and internal stressors in influencing minority health disparities, including substance use (Goldbach et al, 2014). The present review will use minority stress theory as an organizing framework to understand health disparities among SGM populations across the lifespan
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