Queer spaces have long been tied to nightlife culture, born from necessity in bars and clubs where safety and community were first found. But what started as a sanctuary has, for some, become a source of harm. As rates of addiction, relapse, and overdose climb across the LGBTQ+ population, we must reckon with an uncomfortable truth: celebration shouldn't come at the cost of our lives.
My husband and I had two sons, Seth and Jason, who were best buddies. Seth passed away a year and a half ago, which has been really hard on us all, but especially on Jason. He's now 17 and in high school. He's doing OK, but he is still sort of listless and keeps to himself a lot. My sister's son, Matt, was the same age as Seth. She suggested he come stay with us on school breaks as company and a role model
Although the decreasing prevalence of substance use among adolescents is encouraging, the decline is not as significant among teens experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as compared to their peers.
It's difficult for people in recovery to point to one reason for their decision to finally enter treatment. But many, like Indigo, noted the importance of the people who met them where they were at, physically and emotionally.
