How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Atmore 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.

Lakeview Center Inc
(850) 256-6280
6021 Industrial Boulevard
Century, FL
Hotline
(850) 438-1617x0
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Bradford Health Services
(334) 671-1677
114 Adris Place
Dothan, AL
Hotline
(334) 671-1677
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Birmingham Metro Treatment Center
(205) 941-1799
151 Industrial Drive
Birmingham, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Oakmont Center
(205) 787-7100
2008 21st Street Ensley
Birmingham, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Bridge Inc
(251) 338-1780x304
1874 Pleasant Avenue
Mobile, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Alabama Abuse Counseling Center
(205) 428-2600
1612 3rd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Indian Rivers Mental Health Center
(205) 391-0132
3532 23rd St
Tuscaloosa, AL
Hotline
(205) 345-1600
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Cheaha Regional Mental Health/Caradale
(256) 249-2395
1721 Old Birmingham Highway
Sylacauga, AL
Hotline
(256) 245-2201
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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:
Bridge Inc
(251) 338-1780
722 Downtowner Loop West
Mobile, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
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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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