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Alcohol Abuse
By Joanna Sickler
Most treatments are not geared to the specific
needs of the lesbian population.
However, the lessening social stigma upon being a lesbian in addition to
changing social norms within the population may be contributing to an overall
decline in drinking. Talking Points:
- Research
has consistently identified lesbians as being at a greater
risk for alcohol abuse than heterosexual women (although
these studies have had methodological limitations).1,2
Reasons for this increased risk include fewer roles,
responsibilities, and social norms that encourage drinking
among the lesbian population. Another important variable
that must be considered is the alcoholuse of the
partner.3
- Recent
research seems to indicate that drinking rates among
the lesbian population have been declining.4 Â However,
drinking remains particularly high among lesbian youth
and older lesbians, which is possibly due to both groups
increased level of social isolation.5
- Lesbian
youth are also at high risk because they face few options
for inclusion in LGBT society that exist outside of clubs
andbars. Hence, these become the only venues where
they can interact with and meet other lesbians.6
- In
recent years liquor companies have targeted LGBT youth.7 Â
- Cassidy
MA, Hughes TL. 1997. Lesbian health: Barriers to
care. In: McElmurray Bj, Parker R.S, eds. Annual Review of Women’s Health, Vol. 3. New York: National League for Nursing Press. Pp.
67-87.
- Eliason
Mj. Caring for the lesbian, gay, or bisexual patient:
Issues for critical care nurses. Critical Care
Nursing Quarterly 19(1): 65-72.
- Hughes
TL, Wilsnack SC. 1997. Use of alcohol among lesbians: Research and clinical implications. American
Journal of Ortho psychiatry 67 (1):20-36, 1997.
- McKirnan,
D.J., and Peterson, P.L. Alcohol and drug use among homosexual men and women: Epidemiology and population characteristics. Addictive
Behaviors 14:545-553, 1989.
- Hughes, et al 20-36
- Hughes.
- Hughes.
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