LGBTQ+ community are more likely to have problems with drinking and experience major barriers to accessing alcohol services, a new study has found.
Glasgow Caledonian University researchers called for diversity training in alcohol services and services tailored for the community.Experts called the findings "concerning" after two main themes emerged.Firstly, respondents said drinking played a central role in the community, and second, the difficulty accessing treatment and support.
They expressed concern that excessive drinking was normalised and that there was a lack of LGBTQ+ alcohol-free spaces in Scotland.
The study specified barriers to accessing alcohol services, including concerns about judgement and discrimination, services not being perceived as LGBTQ+ friendly, together with a lack of discussion of sexuality and gender from service providers.