Barriers And Treatment Preferences Reported By Worried Drinkers Of Various Sexual Orientations

This web-based study evaluated treatment preferences and perceived barriers to seeking treatment reported by heterosexual and lesbian/gay/bisexual worried drinkers. The sample (N = 218: 71% female, 72% heterosexual) was ethnically diverse. Potential barriers to treatment seeking that were endorsed included problem minimization, lack of motivation, stigma, and having negative thoughts about treatment. Treatment preferences included professional outpatient treatment, self-help group, computer-assisted treatment, and self-help book. The majority did not have a preference for therapist by gender or sexual orientation. Clinical implications of findings are discussed in terms minimizing the impact of barriers to improve service utilization.