Cliffside Malibu Founder Praises Repeal of DOMA
Gay Pride March 2012 on Fifth Avenue in New York city on June 24, 2012
Fifth Avenue – New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PRPhotos.com
Cliffside Malibu founder and coauthor of the #1 bestselling Amazon.com book Ending Addiction for Good, Richard Taite, has spoken out about the repeal of DOMA and the repercussions it may have on addiction rates.
“The repeal of DOMA and the recognition of the rights of gay and lesbian individuals in our society could save many from becoming addicts,” says Taite.
Cliffside Malibu is a top notch rehab which offers effective and evidence-based care in a private setting with a multitude of treatment options focusing on helping people overcome their addictions to re-engage with their families and lives.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is estimated that the rates of substance abuse among gay and transgendered populations are between 20 percent to 30 percent, compared to about 9 percent of the general population.
Taite tells Monsters and Critics, “Much of this increased substance abuse is due to stress, abuse, and discrimination. Repealing DOMA and providing homosexual individuals their rights, could very likely lead to a decrease in their rates of substance abuse and prescription drug addiction.”
“Addiction is rooted in pain,” added Taite. “Unfortunately, in our drug treatment center we all too often see men and women who were bullied, abused, or shut out from their families for being gay or lesbian. Everyone has a need for family, community and approval. The repeal of DOMA, which will begin to make it easier for LGBTQ individuals to build the families they desire will undoubtedly have a real, positive impact on their well-being and make it less likely they will need to resort to substance abuse to relieve the pain they experience for being ostracized and discriminated against.”
