Symposia
LGBQT+
Briana McGeough, Ph.D., MSW
Assistant Professor
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Briana McGeough, Ph.D., MSW
Assistant Professor
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
M Greenwood, BA
Research Assistant
University of Kansas
Shawnee, Kansas
Nicole Cohen, MA
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Method: Data was collected through a feasibility trial of online SMART Recovery groups offered for LGBTQ individuals. 48 LGBTQ individuals participated in an intake assessment to participate in 12 sessions of SMART Recovery, answering closed-ended, multiple response questions about their current substance use and goals for participating in the SMART Recovery program via questionnaire. Results: 72.9% (n=35) of respondents expressed a desire to reduce or maintain reductions in alcohol consumption and 60.4% (n=29) to reduce or maintain reductions in use of another substance. The primary general goals of participants were to develop skills to cope with urges (n=35; 72.9%), feel better about themselves (n=32; 66.7%), change their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings (n=31; 64.6%), and better manage other mental health conditions (n=31; 64.6%). In terms of LGBTQ-specific needs, participants expressed needing sober LGBTQ community spaces (n=33; 68.8%), LGBTQ-affirming social support (n=27; 56.3%), and strategies for managing internalized stigma about their genders and sexualities (n=15; 31.3%) and coping with discrimination (n=9; 18.8%). Discussion: This study fills an important gap by being the first known study of the goals of LGBTQ individuals in SMART Recovery. This information can guide efforts to tailor SMART Recovery to more effectively meet the needs of LGBTQ individuals. Overall, the general program components of SMART Recovery are consistent with the goals of LGBTQ participants; however, many LGBTQ participants may have additional needs that could be addressed through identity-focused content. Future research should explore potential barriers to accessing SMART Recovery for LGBTQ individuals and determine the efficacy of specific treatment adaptations for LGBTQ individuals.
Background: LGBTQ individuals are more likely than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts to experience alcohol and other substance use disorders. Currently, mutual help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are the most common source of support for alcohol and other substance-related problems. In recent years, SMART Recovery, a cognitive-behavioral mutual help group for addiction has become an increasingly common addiction support resource, and emerging evidence supports the effectiveness of SMART Recovery among the general population. However, little is known about the needs and goals of LGBTQ people in SMART Recovery. This study aimed to examine the general and LGBTQ-specific goals of LGBTQ individuals participating in SMART Recovery.