The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54461

Emilia Lombardi, PhD, UCLA ISAP, UCLA, 11050 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90025, 310-312-0500, elombardi@thecenteroc.org

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between substance use and treatment experiences with discrimination and distress. Data for this study was collected from a National Institute on Drug Abuse (1 R03 DA12909) funded study examining the substance use treatment experiences of transgendered/transsexual men and women. Confidential, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to transgendered men and women who currently or previously have had a substance use problem. Those that have used drugs in the past 30 days reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and discrimination in the past year Support was found for the schedule of transphobic life events. Those that have not attended substance use treatment also reported higher levels of discrimination, but not significantly higher. Further, discrimination experienced within self-help groups were also significantly correlated with general experiences of discrimination. They face problems within treatment and self-help contexts. Staff may have little knowledge of how to address transgender issues and ATOD agencies need more information about transgender individuals.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the impact discrimination has upon recovery.
• What are the experiences people have in treatment and shelf-help.

Keywords: Recovery, Drug Abuse Treatment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.