Bisexuals are people who have romantic and/or sexual attractions to both men and women. They may identify as being bi, pansexual, omnisexual, polysexual, or queer. In recent years, bisexuals have been recognized as an important part of LGBTQ+ communities. Their needs, challenges, and struggles need to be addressed more frequently. One such challenge is substance dependence, which disproportionately affects this population. Supportive environments can reduce their risk for addiction by providing them with safety, support, guidance, and connection.
First Step
Supportive environments involve several things. The most obvious factor is that they provide a safe place for bisexual individuals to express themselves without fear of judgement, rejection, violence, or harassment. This includes physical places like support groups, counseling centers, bars, nightclubs, and social clubs; virtual spaces like online chat rooms, forums, and dating apps; and media platforms like movies, TV shows, books, music, and podcasts. Bisexuals should feel comfortable in these settings, knowing they will meet other bisexuals, find acceptance and validation, and build relationships.
Second Step
Supportive environments also include resources that help bisexuals cope with substance abuse issues. This could involve educational materials about how drugs and alcohol impact health, the body, and behavior. Counseling services can teach effective strategies for managing cravings and avoiding triggers. Treatment programs offer peer-to-peer support and evidence-based therapies. All of these are essential for helping people overcome addiction.
Third Step
Supportive environments can promote positive sexual experiences for bisexuals. They may encounter homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and monosexism from family, friends, coworkers, employers, landlords, and others. These attitudes create stress, anxiety, and isolation, which increases their risk for substance use. Sex education classes and sex-positive communities can foster openness, honesty, communication, pleasure, and intimacy among bisexual individuals.
Fourth Step
Supportive environments can provide a sense of belonging and community to bisexuals. This is important because many bisexuals report feeling isolated, lonely, alienated, or rejected by LGBTQ+ groups, straight groups, and society at large. Social media and online dating platforms have helped reduce this isolation, but face-to-face interaction remains crucial. Groups and events focused on bisexuals provide an opportunity to connect with peers, build social networks, develop skills, gain confidence, and find love.
Can supportive environments reduce substance dependence among bisexual populations?
Yes, it is true that supportive environments can potentially help reduce substance abuse among people of different sexual orientations including bisexuals. This is because such an environment can create a sense of acceptance, belongingness, and empowerment in these individuals who may otherwise be facing discrimination and stigmatization from their peers as well as society at large. Substance abuse is often associated with stressful situations or coping mechanisms for mental health issues.