Caring for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Patients and Substance Use Disorders

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and concepts related to LGBTQ+ health inequities and substance use disorders in acute care.

Biologic sex

Sex assigned at birth determined by a person’s external genitalia, internal reproductive organs, and chromosomes.

Intersex

Natural biological variation in chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy, distinct from transgender identity.

Gender identity

A person’s self-perceived gender, which may be the same or different than their biologic sex.

Cisgender

A gender identity that aligns with the sex assigned at birth.

Transgender

A gender identity or expression that differs from the biologic sex assigned at birth.

Gender Expression

External presentation via clothing, name, and pronouns.

Misgendering

Using incorrect pronouns or name, which can cause measurable harm.

Gender Dysphoria

The distress that occurs when there is a conflict between a person’s gender identity and biologic sex.

Sexual orientation

How one identifies based on their sexual or romantic attraction to others.

LGBTQ+ Health Inequities

Health disparities experienced by the LGBTQ+ community due to various stressors.

Minority Stress Theory

A model that suggests health disparities arise from stressors in a hostile culture leading to harassment and victimization.

Cumulative Chronic Stress

The psychological and physical consequences of ongoing stress, leading to various health issues.

Protective factor

A positive influence that can decrease risks, such as having an accepting adult in LGBTQ+ youth.

Poverty

A key issue in the LGBTQ+ community associated with lack of access to health care and support.

Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT)

A treatment to align a person’s hormones and physical attributes with their identified gender.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Occurs when the use of alcohol and/or drugs causes significant impairment, including health problems.

Tolerance

Needing more of a substance for the same effect.

Withdrawal

Physical or psychological symptoms that occur when a substance is reduced or stopped.

Addiction

Chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking.

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

An approach consisting of screening for substance use, providing brief intervention, and referring for treatment.

Opioid Overdose

A life-threatening condition characterized by a classic triad of pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and decreased level of consciousness.

Naloxone (Narcan)

An opioid antagonist used in emergencies to reverse opioid overdose effects.

CIWA-Ar Scale

A scale used to assess and manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.