‘Deeply concerning’: Drug and alcohol deaths significantly higher among queer people, study finds

Drug and alcohol related deaths are significantly higher among queer people, a “deeply concerning” study has found. 

The findings come from analysis by the Office for National Statistics in the UK, which cross-referenced 2021 census data with death registrations between March 2021 and November 2024. 

Multiple studies have revealed that LGB+ people are disproportionately affected by addictions, including alcoholism and drug use. The study specifically used the definer LGB+.

According to the study, suicide and drug and alcohol overdoses are among the most significant causes of death for members of the LGB+ community. 

The study revealed that there were nearly three times as many “drug poisoning” deaths among the LGB+ population compared with the “straight or heterosexual” group, with alcohol-related deaths being almost twice as high for those identifying as LGB+, compared with those who are straight or heterosexual. 

LGB+ men were reported to have a higher risk of alcohol-specific death than their straight counterparts, while the risk of drug related death was 2.8 times higher for those who identify as LGB+, compared with their heterosexual counterparts. 

Females who were part of the LGB+ community had a higher risk of death due to drug poisoning (3.4 times higher), while men experienced a 2.4 times higher risk than their straight peers. 

Overall, the risk of death from any cause was found to be 1.3 times greater overall for people within the community, compared to those who are straight. 

Among the leading causes of death for people within the community was inadequate blood supply to the heart (11.9 per cent) and intentional self-harm and events of undetermined intent (7.1 per cent). Self-harm was not listed within the top five causes of death for the straight population. 

Mark Winstanley, chief executive of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, told The Guardian that the findings are “deeply concerning”. 

“It is deeply concerning that the data shows suicide is the second leading cause of death among LGB+ people. The causes of suicide are complex, but we know that LGBTQ+ people face discrimination in many areas of their lives and encounter harassment, from physical attacks to online hatred.” 

He continued: “Today’s data reinforces the urgent need to address the risk factors that LGBTQ+ people face, as well as ensuring that mental health services are available and accessible for this group.” 

Readers affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Samaritans free on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.

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