How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Arab AL

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.

Family Life Center
(256) 582-1471
432 Gunter Avenue
Guntersville, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Indian Rivers Mental Health Center
(205) 926-4681
2439 Main Street
Brent, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Aletheia House
(205) 324-6502
201 Finley Avenue West
Birmingham, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Crestwood Medical Center of Huntsville
(256) 429-4000
1 Hospital Drive
Huntsville, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
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:
Bridge Inc
(205) 594-3111
474 10th Street
Ashville, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Cedar Lodge
(256) 582-4465
22165 U.S. Highway 431
Guntersville, AL
Hotline
(256) 582-3448
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Sunrise Lodge
(256) 332-0078
1163 Washington Avenue SW
Russellville, AL
Hotline
(256) 764-3431
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Department of Veterans Affairs
(205) 933-8101x6136
700 South 19th Street
Birmingham, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS

Data Provided by:
Bridge Inc
(205) 344-6483
6001 12th Avenue East
Tuscaloosa, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
(205) 554-2000x2690
3701 Loop Road East
Tuscaloosa, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
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:
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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