Leading LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment Program CEO To Address Meth Epidemic Nov 25

A growing epidemic facing Southern California and West Hollywood, in particular, will be explored at a press conference on National Meth Awareness Day, Monday, November 25 from noon to 12:30 pm at Being Alive's Harm Reduction Center in West Hollywood (7976 Santa Monica Blvd.). Among the featured speakers is Paulo Arranaga Grayson, CEO of No Matter What Recovery, one of LA’s most highly recognized addiction treatment programs serving the LGBTQ+ community — one of the hardest hit sectors of the population.

“While meth addiction is ubiquitous in nature, it’s of particular concern for the LGBTQ+ community often because it is used to enhance the sexual experience in a phenomenon known as ‘chem-sex,” says Arranaga-Grayson. “It’s a highly addictive and very insidious drug, however, that impacts a broad spectrum of individuals from the lowest socioeconomic strata to the most privileged and everyone else in between. Users have been known to become addicted very quickly and the habit becomes so severe that they lose everything that’s near and dear to them in the pursuit of getting high.”

“What we have observed at No Matter What Recovery is that some individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ tend to use the drug to address underlying traumas inherent in our community,” he continues. “While meth may offer temporary relief from the emotional pain and even bring immense pleasure — for a time — the price to be paid is steep, dark and ugly. By putting a spotlight on this epidemic, we hope to encourage those who may be struggling to seek help There’s hope out there, and that’s why I’m here today..”

Arranaga-Grayson will share the following stats during his presentation:

● In Metro LA and West Hollywood, the average age for first methamphetamine use was 25 years in 2022, higher than most other areas, with only 34% starting before age 18.

● 77.9% of individuals in Metro LA and West Hollywood who have used methamphetamine find it easy to access.

● Most methamphetamine users in Metro LA and West Hollywood smoke it, followed by snorting and taking it orally. The most common reasons for methamphetamine use were for fun, better mood, increased energy, and productivity.

● Among those who used methamphetamine in Metro LA and West Hollywood, 49.6% reported having close friends who also used methamphetamine.

● In Metro LA and West Hollywood, 27.1% of methamphetamine users reported that they had family members who used methamphetamine.

● According to the 2024 methamphetamine use report, 60.6% of methamphetamine users in Metro LA and West Hollywood engaged in binge use.

No Matter What Recovery, a dual diagnosis substance abuse and mental health treatment program in Los Angeles, California, maintains a strong focus on LGBTQ+ affirming care while addressing trauma, family systems, and sexualized drug use (commonly referred to as chem-sex). Through individual therapy and group processing, the team of Masters level and certified clinicians works with clients to address the triggers that drive a person to misuse substances. In addition to offering therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), the clinicians also provide psychoeducation on the various facets of mental health. No Matter What Recovery facilitates group discussions focusing on trauma, relapse prevention, healthy communication behaviors, life skills, goal-setting, and somatic experiencing. No Matter What Recovery provides all levels of care, from inpatient to outpatient, as well as sober living residences and an alumni program to keep individuals engaged beyond treatment.

Visit NoMatterWhatRecovery.com for more information or call (323) 792-2948.

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No Matter What Recovery City: Los Angeles Address: 3409 W Temple St Website: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/ Phone: +1 323 792 2948