Intro to Transgender Issues: Substance Abuse

Working with transgender clients can raise fundamental questions of policy. A trans client’s presence can challenge long held assumptions and belief systems about the very nature of gender. Not only can these issues become challenging for the staff and management, a transgender person’s presence can present issues that may challenge the gender stereotypes held by other clients as well. A fundamental decision many facilities are faced with today is whether the client’s right to services is worth the possible challenges a transgender client’s presence may inspire. This resource presents information to assist providers in improving substance abuse treatment for trans clients by raising awareness about the issues unique to these clients. It is hoped that sensitizing providers to these unique issues will result in more effective treatment and improved treatment outcomes for transgender persons within the drug court setting.