How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Amesbury MA

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.

Link House
(978) 462-7341
37 Washington Street
Newburyport, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Southeastern New Hampshire Services
(603) 749-3981x204
24 Front Street
Exeter, NH
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Team Coordinating Agency Inc
(978) 373-1181x10
66-76 Winter Street
Haverhill, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
French, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Silverman and Associates Inc
(603) 329-6440
2 Village Green Road
Hampstead, NH
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, Seniors/older adults, Men

Data Provided by:
Psychological Center
(978) 685-1337
11 Union Street
Lawrence, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Odyssey Adolescent Therapeutic Center
(603) 926-6702x1167
30 Winnacunnet Road
Hampton, NH
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Health and Education Services Inc
(978) 373-1126
60 Merrimack Street
Haverhill, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Baldpate Hospital
(978) 352-2131
83 Baldpate Road
Georgetown, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Quitting Time At Hampstead Hospital
(603) 329-5833
218 East Road
Hampstead, NH
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Psychological Center
(978) 687-1658
582-584 Haverhill Street
Lawrence, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Data Provided by:

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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