Russian boy sent to drug rehab clinic for being gay

There are many positives aspects to a residential drug detox center or rehab unit, and when the resources are utilised appropriately it can have life changing effects.  But unfortunately, there seems to be no end to the stories about people misusing drug treatment services with one of the most shocking being a recent report of a father in Russia enrolling his son into a drug rehab clinic for being gay (RT, 2012).

It appears that the boy's father was hoping that the center would be able to change his sons's mind about his sexuality, and the incident helps demonstrate how people's misconceptions about rehab can lead to inappropriate use of services.

It is not always easy to ascertain whether an individual will use a service in the approriate way, and although many facilities conduct interviews and assessments prior to admission there is never any guarantee of how an individual will engage when they actually enter into treatment.  It may not even be as extreme as the case cited above, but other misuses of addiction services do occur, including not engaging in treatment, and treating the facility as a holiday experience rather than rehab.

It is therefore hugely important for both treatment centers and individuals to be aware of the service that is being offered, and to be honest about expectations and what they can offer one another.  Having an open dialogue about what rehab is really about is key in ensuring that individuals use the service appropriately and ensure that people who really want and need help are those that receive it.

RT.  (2012).  Teenager put in drug rehab for being gay.  Sourced from: http://www.rt.com/news/prime-time/boy-gay-drug-rehab-russia-995/

Published by on 27/07/2020.

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