LGBT Substance Use, Coping & Risk Behaviours

Understanding • Safer Coping • Compassionate Support

For many LGBT people, stress, identity-based trauma, minority stress or lack of acceptance can lead to using substances or engaging in risky behaviours as a way to cope. This page explores why that happens, how to reduce harm, and how to find healthier support — without shame or judgement.

You get to decide what healing looks like for you. It’s okay to need help, rest, or time.

Why Some LGBT People Turn to Substances or Risky Coping

There are many reasons — sometimes overlapping — why substance use or risky coping arises:

• • Past or ongoing trauma, abuse, or rejection
• • Minority stress, identity invalidation, stigma, discrimination
• • Lack of safe spaces to be yourself, or feeling isolated
• • Mental health difficulties: anxiety, depression, low mood, shame
• • Pressure to “fit in”, belong, numb feelings, or escape pain

Using substances or risk behaviours doesn’t mean you’re “weak”. It often means you’ve been carrying heavy pain for too long.

Common Types of Substance Use & Risky Coping

• 🌪️ Alcohol or drug use (occasional or frequent)
• 🌪️ Binge behaviours
• 🌪️ Disordered eating or self-harm behaviors (as coping)
• 🌪️ Risky sexual behaviour without safety / consent
• 🌪️ Isolation, withdrawal, avoiding support, self-sabotage

Everyone’s experience looks different. What is risky for one person might be less so for another — safety, consent, support and self-awareness matter most.

Harm Reduction & Safer Coping Ideas

Here are some gentler alternatives and safety ideas if you’re trying to cope without hurting yourself or your mental health long-term:

• 🌿 Find one safe person or community who affirms you, and talk or hang out when feelings are heavy
• 🌿 Use grounding or sensory tools (soft fabrics, soothing music, gentle movement)
• 🌿 Set small, manageable goals instead of forcing yourself into bigger changes
• 🌿 If you choose to use substances — do so safely: know what you’re taking, stay with trusted people, avoid mixing unknown substances, plan exit/safe-space options
• 🌿 Keep a list of “safer options” (walks, art, talking, writing, pets, affirming media) for hard moments
• 🌿 Reach out for professional or peer support — therapy, hotline, community group

When Substance Use or Risking Becomes Harmful — What to Watch Out For

• • You use substances more often than planned or to numb pain regularly
• • You hide your usage or behaviour from people you care about because of shame or fear
• • It affects your health, work/study, relationships or safety
• • You rely on substances to feel okay, or feel worse if you don’t use
• • You feel unable to stop even if you want to

If you notice these signs, it may help to reach out for support. You don’t have to manage this alone.

Support for Loved Ones — Parents, Carers & Allies

If someone you care about is using substances or engaging in risky coping, you can help by:

• • Offering a safe, non-judgemental space to talk
• • Validating their feelings and identity, even if you don’t fully understand
• • Avoiding shame, guilt, or punishment — support them with compassion
• • Helping them access affirming services or community supports
• • Encouraging safer coping alternatives rather than blaming

Your presence, belief, and support can make a huge difference.