How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Apollo 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.

RHJ Medical Center Inc
(724) 842-0357
2994 River Road
Vandergrift, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Greenbriar Treatment Center
(724) 339-7180
601 6th Street
New Kensington, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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Family Services Of Western Pennsylvani
(724) 226-0664x833
321 East 5th Avenue
Tarentum, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Gateway/Monroeville
(412) 373-2234
4327 Northern Pike
Monroeville, 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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Turtle Creek Valley MH/MR Inc
(412) 824-9300x692
519 Penn Avenue
Turtle Creek, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

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SPHS Behavioral Health
(724) 339-6860
408 8th Street
New Kensington, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Butler Regional Recovery Program
(724) 226-7065
1301 Carlisle Street
Natrona Heights, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Family Services of Western PA
(724) 226-0664
321 East Fifth Avenue
Tarentum, PA
Hotline
(888) 222-4200
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

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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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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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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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