Understanding and treating opioid use disorders in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer populations

Abstract

Although little is known about the specific burden of the opioid epidemic on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations, there is evidence to suggest that opioid use disorders are disproportionately prevalent in the LGBTQ community. In this commentary, we present an overview of the current state of evidence on opioid use and misuse among LGBTQ-identified people in the United States and suggest ways to adapt behavioral health interventions to the specific needs of this population. Programs that integrate behavioral health with primary care, address minority stress, and use a trauma-informed approach have the most potential to produce effective, long-term benefits for LGBTQ-identified people with opioid use disorders.