Adolescent Substance Use and Recovery In The LGBTQ+ Community with Beck Gee-Cohen

ABOUT THE EPISODE:Parenting a teen or young adult through substance use or addiction is a massive challenge, but layering on the complexity of a child who is questioning their sexual identity or openly part of the LGBTQ+ community can make it even more difficult. This episode is a must-listen for parents who are wondering how to approach their child with questions around sexuality and identity, or who have an openly gay or transgender child who’s also struggling with substance misuse or addiction. It’s complex, it’s confusing and it’s crucial to have this conversation.Beck Gee-Cohen joined me for this enlightening conversation around gender, sexuality and substances and shared how his work at Visions Teen in Los Angeles is helping adolescents in the LGBTQ+ community. Listen in to hear:how Beck's family of origin and childhood impacted his use of substances during adolescence and his young adult lifewhy LGBTQ+ teens and young adults often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their identity and sexuality in today's societywhy he credits his eventual sobriety for being able to work through suicidal thoughts and not follow through with themwhy it's important to recognize gender as a foundation to a person but also know it's a part of a bigger wholewhat Beck needed (but didn't get) from his family growing up as a gender non-conforming person to better cope with the stresswhat research shows about young people growing up in non-affirming homes vs affirming homes how to make your home and yourself a safe place for a LBGTQ+ teen or young adult ways parents can open a conversation about gender and sexual identity with their kids and their friendsquestions to ask if you're a parent searching for substance use treatment for your LGBTQ+ childEPISODE RESOURCES:Free parent support group meetings for LGBTQ+ youth & substance abuseYou And Your Gender Identity (Dara Hoffman-Fox)Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Trans (But Were Afraid to ask) (Brynn Tannehill)The Transgender Teen: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Teens (Stephanie Brill)Disclosure documentaryHBO show EuphoriaNetflix show PoseThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream CommunityLearn about The Stream, our private online community for momsFind us on Instagram hereWatch the podcast on YouTube hereDownload a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and AlcoholHopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.