How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Basking Ridge NJ

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.

NJ Department of Veteran Affairs
(908) 647-0180x4696
151 Knollcroft Road
Lyons, NJ
Hotline
(800) 292-8262
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Richard Hall CMHC
(908) 725-2800
500 North Bridge Street
Bridgewater, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Catholic Charities/Somerset
(908) 722-1881
540 Route 22 East
Bridgewater, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
UCPC Behavioral Healthcare
(908) 756-6870x636
117-119 Roosevelt Avenue
Plainfield, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Institute for Family/Adolescent Servs
(908) 526-7809
600 1st Avenue
Raritan, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Bonnie Brae
(908) 647-0800
3415 Valley Road
Liberty Corner, NJ
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:
Daytop Village
(973) 543-5656x735
80 West Main Street
Mendham, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Richard Colligan LCADC CSW
(908) 347-9551
430 Springfield Avenue
Berkeley Heights, NJ
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:
Organization for Recovery Inc
(908) 769-4700
519 North Avenue
Plainfield, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Mrs Wilsons Halfway House
(973) 540-1781
56 Mount Kemble Avenue
Morristown, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Criminal justice clients

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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