Minority Stress and Coping for LGBTQ+ Adolescent Health

LGBTQ+ adolescents are at heightened risk for many behavioral health outcomes, including misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Decades of research suggests that these experiences are tied to discrimination, known as “minority stress” 1. Recent research has identified a number of key life experiences that drive ATOD use among LGBTQ+ youth. The below table represents a variety of common stressors and conversation starters which can open the door to an evidence-based approach to intervention. For more tools and educational resources on best practices for serving LGBTQ+ people, visit lgbtqequity.org.