What motivates a young transgender person to use drugs?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-12 03:00

Australia; NSW; WA

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Drug and alcohol use is higher among young gender diverse Australians compared to their peers, according to local research. The researchers surveyed 859 trans/non-binary people in Australia aged 14 to 25 online about their drug and alcohol use, and say drug and alcohol use was higher among the participants compared to the general population of young people in Australia. 13.5% of the participants had been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, the researchers say, with higher rates among transgender men and women compared to non-binary people. Asking the participants about their motivations for using alcohol and drugs, the researchers say their motivations were often related to having fun, self-exploration and community, but some were likely using substances to cope with mental health problems and difficulties around their gender expression.