Pride Month is a crucial celebration of visibility, acceptance, and continued advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. At Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS), this time is particularly significant as we reaffirm our commitment to providing supportive and inclusive care for all individuals on their recovery journeys. Our programs are designed to address the complex needs of those we serve, recognizing the intersecting challenges of substance use, mental health disorders, and societal stigma.
Royal Palms Premier LGBTQ+ Residential Treatment Program
A pivotal program within SMRS, Royal Palms exemplifies our commitment to personalized care. This program specifically addresses the needs of the LGBTQ+ community while also serving all adults facing substance use challenges. Research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that individuals within sexual and gender minority groups have notably higher rates of substance misuse and more severe substance use disorders compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This disparity often stems from unique stressors such as stigma, discrimination, harassment, and traumatic experiences prevalent in their lives.
Royal Palms recognizes the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and provides a supportive environment with tailored treatments that affirm their identities and address their specific needs. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and affirming care environment promotes every individual’s opportunity for successful recovery and personal growth year-round. Our dedicated team of professionals delivers personalized treatments, including trauma-informed care and other evidence-based practices within a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, we offer inclusive group sessions where LGBTQ+ individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Celebrating Pride Month Together
By the end of June, Royal Palms will have hosted a series of events and activities to celebrate Pride Month. These include:
- Pride Parade Participation: Led by Program Director Vanessa Ramos, Royal Palms staff participated in the 41st annual Long Beach Pride Festival on May 18-19, 2024, and the WeHo Pride Weekend from May 31 to June 2, where they engaged with visitors and provided resources for SUD support and treatment. (Read the full story here)
- Training Workshop with Guest Speaker: From June 10-12, Kristina Padilla, VP of Education and Strategic Development for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals (CCAPP), presented training workshops covering key topics such as gender-affirming care for transgender, Two-Spirit, and gender nonconforming individuals; the importance of pronouns and proper etiquette; how to be an LGBTQIA2+ ally; the stages of coming out; and best practices for gender-affirming clinical care.
- Agency Pride Celebration: Towards the end of June, Royal Palms will host an outdoor gathering for all SMRS residents and participants in celebration of Pride Month. This event will feature food, music, and activities, providing an opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate diversity, and build stronger connections within our community.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate Pride Month, it is important to recognize that our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond June. SMRS, particularly through our Royal Palms program, is dedicated to fostering an environment of inclusivity, support, and empowerment for all individuals on their recovery journeys. The events and activities we host are a testament to our unwavering dedication to diversity and equality. However, the work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to advocate for and support the LGBTQ+ community every day of the year, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can create a world where every individual can live their truth and achieve successful recovery. Happy Pride!
