Perceived Stigma Associated with the Passing of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills: An Assessment of Stigma as a Relapse Factor for LGBTQ+ Individuals in Recovery from Substance Use

Abstract

The LGBTQ+ population has a higher prevalence of substance use, potentially due to experiencing minority stress as marginalized population. Structural stigma in the form of state-level bills targeting the rights of the LGBTQ+ population may impact exposure to minority stress. A significant portion of the LGBTQ+ population who struggle with substance use have sought professional help to enter into recovery. Relapse from recovery leads to increased risk of overdose, and consequently, death. This study addressed perceived stigma in response to state-level anti-LGBTQ+ bills as a risk factor for relapse for LGBTQ+ individuals in recovery. LGBTQ+ individuals (N = 126) were recruited to complete measures of relapse status in the prior year, awareness of state-level anti-LGBTQ+ bills, perceived stigma, discrimination, anxiety, depression, and social support. While this study found no association between state-level anti-LGBTQ+ bill status and perceived stigma, perceived stigma was significantly associated with risk of relapse. Given this finding, more research is necessary to address perceived stigma through medical and mental health care to create LGBTQ+ affirming spaces within which these individuals can pursue a successful recovery.