How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Alhambra CA

Some LGBT individuals may use intoxicants to cope with shame and other negative feelings. Some LGBT individuals learn to devalue themselves and value only heterosexual persons instead. The negative effects of heterosexism include: Self-blame for the victimization one has suffered.

Behavioral Health Services
(323) 221-1746
4099 North Mission Road
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
Spanish

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BHC Alhambra Hospital Inc
(626) 286-1191
4619 North Rosemead Boulevard
Rosemead, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Family Care Center/American Asian
(626) 287-3475
4022 North Rosemead Boulevard
Rosemead, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Cebuano, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog

Data Provided by:
Pacific Clinics
(626) 441-4221
66 Hurlbut Street
Pasadena, CA
Hotline
(877) 722-2737
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, Men
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Mela Counseling Services Center Inc
(323) 728-0100
5723 Whittier Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Family Counseling Services
(626) 308-1414
121 Santa Anita Street
San Gabriel, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Pasadena High Road Program
(626) 795-4590
700 South Arroyo Parkway
Pasadena, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and
(626) 795-9127x103
1245 East Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Pacific Clinics Subst Abuse MH Servs
(626) 287-2988
9353 East Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, CA
Hotline
(877) 722-2737
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese

Data Provided by:
Plaza Community Center
(323) 888-2530
5255 Pomona Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
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How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse

How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse

When treating LGBT clients, it is helpful for providers to understand the effect of heterosexism on their LGBT clients. The role of heterosexism in the etiology of substance abuse is unclear. Heterosexism instills shame in LGBT individuals, causing them to internalize the homophobia that is directed toward them by society (Neisen, 1990, 1993). Some LGBT individuals may use intoxicants to cope with shame and other negative feelings. Some LGBT individuals learn to devalue themselves and value only heterosexual persons instead. The negative effects of heterosexism include the following:

• Self-blame for the victimization one has suffered

• A negative self-concept as a result of negative messages about homosexuality

• Anger directed inward resulting in destructive patterns such as substance abuse

• A victim mentality or feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and despair that interfere with leading a fulfilling life

• Self-victimization that may hinder emotional growth and development.

Recognizing that heterosexism is a type of victimization helps the counselor and client draw a parallel with recovery from other types of victimization, whether they are culturally or individually based. It is crucial that counselors and clients recognize that these effects result from prejudice and discrimination and are not a consequence of one’s sexuality. It is not surprising to find that many LGBT individuals in therapy repo...

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