How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Arden NC

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.

Western Carolinians for
(828) 252-2485
218 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Mountain Treatment Center
(828) 255-8655
260 Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Crossroads Phoenix
(828) 693-7377
257 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC
Hotline
(828) 693-7377
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Insight Human Services
(828) 350-8343
35 Orange Street
Asheville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

Data Provided by:
Horizon Recovery Center
(828) 692-8221
132 3rd Avenue East
Hendersonville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
ARP/Phoenix
(828) 254-2700
257 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Asheville Institute
(828) 253-7066
70 Woodfin Place
Asheville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Gays and Lesbians, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Mission Hospitals
(828) 213-1111x5253
509 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , 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:
Mary Benson House
(828) 252-5280
450 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
First Step Farm of WNC Inc
(828) 667-0303
200 Pete Luther Cove Road
Candler, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women

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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