As a parent or caregiver, your love, acceptance and support are essential to promoting your child’s well-being. It can significantly decrease an LGBTQ+ teen’s likelihood of substance use and improve their mental health.
Family support and acceptance means actively affirming a child’s identity to build their self-worth and self-esteem. The Family Acceptance Project, a leading non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ people, offers research-backed examples of how to affirm your child.
This doesn’t mean that you have to hide your feelings as your child will know if you aren’t being honest. You can share your concerns if any and let them know that you love them. In families where acceptance is high, the majority of LGBTQ+ youth believe that they can have a happy, rewarding life as adults.
The stigma and discrimination often experienced by LGBTQ+ youth increase their risk for substance use and addiction. You can protect your child by affirming their identity, encouraging healthy behaviors and responding effectively to signs of use.
If your child needs help for a substance use disorder or addiction, it's important to consider their specific needs as an LGBTQ+ person.
Connect with the LGBTQ+ community and begin discovering how to become a stronger ally for your child.
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