9 Sober LGBTQ Activists Share Why You Need To Start the Addiction Treatment

Addiction Treatment is the best step towards loving oneself again. And you can bring along your pain in this journey to being your own best friend. Don’t give stigma permission to make you doubt. What other people think is not a cure. It’s a virus that destroys. Choose to heal and love yourself again. God bless you!

a) Accountability: When going somewhere that serves alcohol and/or could be triggering, line up a person to call before arriving and after leaving.
b) H.A.L.T: When one or more of these emotions are happening, (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tiered), call someone else in recovery and care for the emotion.
c) Repetition: Just like creating a habit, breaking a habit takes repetition – incorporate a daily schedule and stick to it.

As much as you may want to be alone, stay surrounded by others who are in recovery – We can’t do this alone.

Find a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous for the LGBTQ community and speak to them. Say, “I’m struggling to overcome my addiction” to them. Of course, they know you are struggling. But by actually saying it to them, it will help you open up to them. They will understand you like no one else because they’ve been through what you’re going through right now. Trust them, and be as honest to them as you can. It gets better.
Thank you, have a great day!

Harry Hains’ compelling message of inclusivity and love is tied to his new single “Insanity” and its accompanying stunning, cinematic music video that puts the spotlight on mental health.

The first song that comes into my heart is Om Namah Shivaya – Shiva is the God of destruction and therefore transformation which is what we are asking for when changing big life patterns or habits. Also in this song, we acknowledge the teacher or master that lays within our own hearts. We have our own knowledge inside. As we transform destructive behaviors into life-affirming habits we awaken the inner master and our own light begins to shine brightly. We can offer our troubles to this mantra/prayer and ask the universe for the fortitude to change destructive patterns.

Tafari considers it a great cause for lgbtq individuals sturggling with addiction. He added “Stigma is everywhere and we all need to voice against it”. He dedicated “Not an addict” by K’s Choice to recovering LGBTQ individuals.

Do you remember the days it was “ok” to discriminate against minorities? Not anymore. The world is more accepting than ever, no matter who you are and what your weaknesses may be. Ask for help, and tell them you are struggling with addiction. You’ll be amazed to find so many people who do whatever it takes to help you. So don’t be afraid to let them see you as you are. And don’t forget to be kind to them, too. Believe me, it gets better

It was a little embarrassing for us when we heard getting help for addiction can be associated with stigma. For anyone reading this message but doesn’t have the “energy” to get addiction help when you need it, remember things may look difficult at the start. Stay strong and get help. “First To Eleven” team dedicate “Nothing Else Matters” to LGBTQ individuals.

Ryan Amador believes that there should be no shame in getting addiction treatment. He added, “Living with addiction is painful. Family of an addict suffers more. But stigma related to LGBTQ people, if it exists, should be ended”.

He dedicates “Used To You” to LGBTQ individuals struggling with addiction.