Review of Research Paper: "Using to numb the pain: substance use and abuse among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals."

Review of Research Paper: "Using to numb the pain: substance use and abuse among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals." Published in Journal of Mental Health Counseling, Jan 2008, Vol 30 # 1, pp. 31-48; Author: Weber, Genevieve N.

Genevieve Weber's research was based on a sample of 824 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, although 3% of her sample were "transgendered" and 1% were "other". The sample was recruited via advertisements to LGB listservs and posters placed in the LGB community. Nineteen percent came through emails "from friends". The analyses consisted of the use of four separate scales.

The major finding in the study was that participants who were classified as having at least one substance use disorder reported experiencing heterosexism and internalized homophobia more often than those who are not classified as disordered on either the alcohol or drug abuse scale. Interesting to note however, was what the author said subsequent to this finding:

Although these relationships are significantly significant, their small effect sizes limit my confidence that participants who are classified as having at least one substance use disorder have, in fact, experienced more heterosexism and internalized homophobia. In this case, statistical significance may not necessarily mean that the findings have practical or clinical significance to the field of mental health counseling. To this end, interpret the following discussion points with caution. (p. 40)

Much discussion was placed on the notion that sexual minorities experience stress from being in a predominately anti-gay society. However, this study could not support whether or not that heterosexist events and/or internalized homophobia led the LGB subgroup to use or abuse substances.

The author, not able to make any conclusive outcome about what causes the high incidence of substance use/abuse among gays and lesbians, stated that, "There is much that remains unknown about the etiology of alcohol and drug use and abuse among LGB people" (p. 44).

Concluding, in a practical sense, the author made a case that in her opinion, counselors and educators need to increase their awareness of how LGB individuals might cope with minority stress.

Limitations of the study:

1. The sample was recruited from an internet survey from LGB resources only; therefore, it lacked the diversity of methods for which strong research designs require.

2. The use of self-reported measures provided the strong possibility for participants to be influenced by social desirability. The general profile of these recruits were that they were largely "out", thirty-something, educated, and savvy about LGB resources (well read), therefore it made sense that they would value having an explanation, such as heterosexism, to account for the high incidences of substance use/abuse within their population.