Reducing Alcohol Abuse in Gay Men: Clinical Recommendations From Conflicting Research

    Authors

    C. W. Blackwell

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Soc. Serv. Res.

    Keywords

    Alcohol; alcoholism; discrimination; disparity; gay patients; health; homosexual; primary care; wellness; SUBSTANCE USE; BISEXUAL MEN; MEDICAL-STUDENTS; SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR; HIV-INFECTION; USE DISORDERS; DRUG-USE; HEALTH; RISK; ATTITUDES; Social Work

    Abstract

    Gay men entering the health care system present with unique needs essential for health care providers to comprehend and address. While data indicate mental health and substance abuse disorders are more prevalent among gay men compared with their heterosexual counterparts, the literature assessing abuse of alcohol by gay men is conflicting. This article explores the conflicting research examining the use and abuse of alcohol by gay men, common findings and themes among studies addressing the issue, the theoretical concepts of internalized homophobia and heterosexism as they relate to alcohol abuse, and clinical strategies providers can implement when encountering this issue among their gay male patients. This comprehensive assessment of the literature will also provide direction for future critical inquiries and outline ways to improve the current methods of inquiry.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Social Service Research

    Volume

    38

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    29

    Last Page

    36

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000300014800004

    ISSN

    0148-8376

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