How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Allison Park PA

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.

Arche Wellness LLC
(724) 444-1333
49 Qsi Lane
Allison Park, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Holy Family Social Services-Shores
(412) 761-0236
201 Center Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Criminal justice clients

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Family Resources
(412) 363-1702
141 South Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Teen Challenge of Western Pennsylvania
(724) 265-4100
220 Challenge Lane
Rural Ridge, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

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VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
(412) 365-5010
7180 Highland Drive
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, Women, DUI/DWI offenders

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Gateway
(412) 963-7077
1360 Old Freeport Road
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Mercy Behavioral Health
(724) 933-8200
9983 Perry Highway
Wexford, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Persad Center Inc
(412) 441-9786
5150 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Alpha House
(412) 363-4220
435 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Women, Men
Language Services
Arabic

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Summit Medical Services
(412) 255-8717x204
59 31st Street
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

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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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