A Step Towards Inclusivity and Understanding
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hosted a crucial two-day meeting focused on the recovery needs of LGBTQIA+ populations. This event brought together key representatives dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in their recovery journeys.
Vanessa Ramos, Program Director at Royal Palms, represented Social Model Recovery Systems at the event. The meeting began with welcome remarks from Guadalupe Ramos of the Office of Recovery at SAMHSA, followed by opening remarks from Tom Coderre, Principal Assistant Secretary for Substance Use and Mental Health at SAMHSA.
Kristina Padilla of the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) explained the purpose and process of the summit, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery.
The meeting provided a unique opportunity to engage in intimate discussions about the specific needs and barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery. Attendees, including our very own, Vanessa Ramos, were able to exchange ideas, share experiences, and propose solutions to enhance support systems for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Key sessions included:
- Impact on Coming Out: This session addressed the societal discrimination and stigma that often accompany the coming-out process, highlighting the profound impact these experiences can have on mental health and recovery.
- Supportive Treatment and Recovery Environments: Discussions focused on creating and maintaining environments that are affirming and supportive for LGBTQIA+ individuals in treatment and recovery.
- Role of Religion/Spirituality in Recovery: This session explored how religion and spirituality can play a role in recovery, considering both the positive and negative impacts these elements can have on LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Connection to LGBTQIA+ Communities: Presenters emphasized the importance of community connection and the role of LGBTQIA+ communities in supporting recovery efforts.
- LGBTQIA+ Rights: This session provided an overview of the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights and the ongoing struggles for equality and protection under the law.
- Intersectionality – Gateway to Beginning Recovery Efforts for LGBTQIA+ Moving Forward: This final session encouraged reflection and solution-finding, focusing on the intersectional nature of LGBTQIA+ identities and how these intersections can inform and improve recovery efforts.
A major highlight of the event was the chance for attendees to spend two days discussing the needs and barriers for LGBTQIA+ individuals with other community leaders. This led to deeper insights and stronger connections among those working to promote inclusivity and understanding in recovery.
As SAMHSA continues to support inclusive and comprehensive recovery, this meeting was a significant step towards better addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. The insights and connections made during these two days will help create more effective and compassionate recovery environments for everyone.
At Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS), we promote inclusivity and understanding. Royal Palms, a program of SMRS, focuses specifically on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. We welcome and affirm persons of every race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or identity. No one needs to be afraid of judgment and exclusion. For more information about our services, visit socialmodel.com, or call our CARE center at 877.507.6242.
AT SMRS, WE listen, WE understand. WE take action on helping any individual and their family overcome addiction and mental health challenges.
