Minority Stress, Alcohol Use, and Recovery in Middle-Aged Gay Men

Background:
This study explores how middle-aged gay men (African-American, Latino, & White) in recovery experienced minority stress. We understand that gay men experience family rejection, stigma and discrimination, and are more likely than heterosexual men to abuse alcohol into older age.  Alcohol is often used to cope with these social disadvantages. If we understand how stigma and discrimination affect mental health and alcohol use, then we can develop appropriate interventions.

Objective(s):
The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of middle-aged gay men vis-à-vis stigma, alcohol abuse, recovery, and family support.  

Method:
Design: we used a qualitative inquiry to capture experiences of stigma, alcohol abuse, and family support.
Data Analysis: Grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis.

Results:
Demographic: Recruited N=30 men, 10 in each racial/ethnic group.  Participants had long-term recovery.  Sixteen reported having HIV infection and 17 reported having a mental health disorder.
Themes: sexual identity stigma, racial/sexual identity stigma, coping with stigma.

Conclusion:
Social nature of stress requires advocacy with faith-based communities and families.  Research is needed to explore how 12-Step programs might accommodate issues of sexual identity first.  Families may play a crucial role in recovery if properly trained and incorporated into an intervention.