No Matter What Recovery, a dual diagnosis substance abuse and mental health treatment program, maintains a strong focus on LGBTQ+ affirming care while addressing trauma, family systems, and sexualized drug use (commonly referred to as chemsex).
A leading advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and certified addiction treatment expert has been named executive director of No Matter What Recovery, a dual diagnosis substance abuse and mental health treatment program in Los Angeles, California. Mell McCracken (they/them) will oversee clinical operations for the program that specializes in serving those who identify as LGBTQ+ and often deal with issues unique to that community. The Los Angeles resident brings more than a decade of experience in this sub-specialty to their new position.
"I am so thrilled to become part of No Matter What Recovery, a program recognized in the industry for its comprehensive, holistic, and effective approach to addiction treatment." they said. “We understand the unique set of challenges facing members of the LGBTQ+ population and, in fact, our team is made up of each segment of the LGBTQ+ community — lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer. I’m happy to be part of an organization whose values and principles parallel mine. No doubt that together we will bring No Matter What Recovery to new heights.”
McCracken says that though the program’s mostly LGBTQ+ clients come from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds, they often have a shared experience. Many of them have faced discrimination, homophobia/transphobia, social isolation, rejection, leading lives of deception and hiding their authentic selves. These hardships often impact their mental health and, in many cases, lead to substance misuse. Statistics show that LGBTQ adults are more than twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to use illicit drugs and almost twice as likely to suffer from a substance use disorder.
“No Matter What Recovery recognizes the unique issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals and has developed a comprehensive approach to treating the addiction and mental health challenges so prevalent in that community,” they said. “Chemsex, drug use associated with the party circuit, reliance on stimulants like crystal meth, etc. are some of the behaviors we see more of in the LGBTQ+ community than in the general population. We understand that and are equipped to deal with these specific issues.”
In addition to holding their credentialing from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs, McCracken is a faculty member of International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals and has been actively engaged in the City of West Hollywood’s Meth Coalition. They are also a Rainbow Advocate Educator providing clinical education on LGBTQ+ care.
No Matter What Recovery, a dual diagnosis substance abuse and mental health treatment program, maintains a strong focus on LGBTQ+ affirming care while addressing trauma, family systems, and sexualized drug use (commonly referred to as chemsex). The program treats clients struggling with a variety of substances including alcohol, benzos, opioids and crystal meth. Through individual therapy and group processing, the team of Masters level and certified clinicians work 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.
*****
