Repeal of DOMA Could Save Many from Addiction
Malibu, CA (PRWEB) July 02, 2013 -- The repeal of DOMA and the recognition of the rights of gay and lesbian individuals in our society could save many from becoming addicts. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is estimated that the rates of substance abuse among gay and transgendered populations are between 20 percent to 30 percent, compared to about 9 percent of the general population. Much of this increased substance abuse is due to stress, abuse, and discrimination. Repealing DOMA and providing homosexual individuals their rights, could very likely lead to a decrease in their rates of substance abuse and prescription drug addiction.
“Addiction is rooted in pain,” said Richard Taite, Cliffside Malibu founder and coauthor of the #1 bestselling Amazon.com book Ending Addiction for Good. “Unfortunately, in our drug treatment center we all too often see men and women who were bullied, abused, or shut out from their families for being gay or lesbian. Everyone has a need for family, community and approval. The repeal of DOMA, which will begin to make it easier for LGBTQ individuals to build the families they desire will undoubtedly have a real, positive impact on their well-being and make it less likely they will need to resort to substance abuse to relieve the pain they experience for being ostracized and discriminated against.”
“Lack of relationship recognition has been a detriment to health,” reported Dr. Damon Raskin, an addiction specialist with Cliffside Malibu. “When Proposition 8 in California disallowed people from having the benefits that go along with marriage, not just the financial benefits, but the feeling of being recognized as married, it took a toll on many people’s mental health. This change in the law brought about by the Supreme Court’s decision will make life better for people who have unduly suffered. It is no doubt that this change will have a conclusive effect on addiction rates.”
About Cliffside Malibu:
Cliffside Malibu is a top notch rehab which offers effective and evidence-based care in a private setting with a multitude of treatment options focusing on helping people overcome their addictions to re-engage with their families and lives. For information about Cliffside Malibu’s effective treatments and intervention services, please visit http://www.cliffsidemalibu.com or call 1-800-501-1988, 24 hours a day.
Allison McCabe, Cliffside Malibu, http://www.cliffsidemalibu.com, 310-560-2548, [email protected]
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