Lesbians, Gays, and Alcoholism Treatment: Challenges to Recovery

Veronica Jeffus, M.Ed., Therapist
Gatehouse Therapeutic Health Services

For many years, it has been the general assumption that the incidence of alcoholism was much higher for gays and lesbians than in the heterosexual population. Early studies reported that as high as 35% of gays and lesbians were excessive or problem drinkers vs. five percent of heterosexuals. (Saghir and Robins, 1973) Later reported estimates of alcohol use among homosexuals tended to remain at the 30% mark, vs. the 10% usually cited for the general population. It was not until researchers began an investigation of the methodology of the early studies that important information began to emerge. Samples for early research efforts were recruited largely in gay bars and their surroundings, given that these are one of the few public places where gays can feely socialize as a group. However, heavy drinkers are also more likely to congregate in bars than are social drinkers or abstainers. Additionally, bars are also a frequent venue for other drug use. For these reasons, early studies whose research protocols relied heavily on patrons of gay bars were at risk to overestimate the prevalence of alcohol and drug use among gay men and lesbians.
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