Alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and other substance use among lesbian and bisexual women

J Lesbian Stud. 2005;9(3):19-30. doi: 10.1300/J155v09n03_03.

Abstract

Relationships between sexual orientation and a wide range of substance use and problem variables were examined based on data from the 2000 National Alcohol Survey. Lesbians, bisexuals, and heterosexually identified women who report same-sex partners were compared to exclusively heterosexual women in relation to alcohol consumption, use of tobacco and other drugs, bar-going, alcohol-related problems, and past substance abuse treatment. Substance use patterns were complex and varied between sexual orientation groups. These differences underscore the importance of developing lesbian- and bisexual-sensitive prevention and treatment services and of including measures of sexual orientation identity and behavior in population-based surveys.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Bisexuality / psychology*
  • Female
  • Homosexuality, Female / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs