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Building Bridges: LGBT Populations: A Dialogue on Advancing Opportunities for Recovery from Addictions and Mental Health Problems

"Despite recent strides in understanding and acceptance, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) individuals still face the challenges of negative stereotypes, rejection, marginalization, and discrimination, hindering their help-seeking behaviors. Moreover, those with mental health issues or addictions may encounter additional prejudice and discrimination. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) initiated a dialogue to foster partnerships among individuals in recovery, identify factors at individual and systemic levels that impact LGBT individuals' recovery, and enhance understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences in advancing their recovery. By convening stakeholders to address service and support improvements, SAMHSA aims to catalyze concrete actions to enhance recovery opportunities for LGBT individuals. This booklet comprises four sections: overview, dialogue themes and findings (including eight major themes and factors influencing recovery), recommendations for action (major and strategic), and milestones in the LGBT mental health consumer movement."