How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Beltsville MD

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.

Recovery Network
(301) 345-1919
6201 Greenbelt Road
College Park, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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New Horizons Health Services Inc
(301) 421-1886
15216 Dino Drive
Burtonsville, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Mental Health Clinic
(301) 439-7200
1011 University Boulevard
Silver Spring, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Portugese, Spanish

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Counseling Services Inc
(301) 725-5616
150 Washington Boulevard
Laurel, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Family Health Center
(301) 779-2461
3415 Hamilton Street
Hyattsville, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Amharic, Spanish

Data Provided by:
We Care Health Services Inc
(301) 490-7995
8730 Cherry Lane
Laurel, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Reality Inc
(301) 490-5551
419 Main Street
Laurel, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)

Data Provided by:
D A Wynne and Associates Inc
(301) 439-6700
10230 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD
Hotline
(800) 645-8158
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
French, German, Portugese, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Act II Counseling Services Inc
(301) 498-5766
413 Main Street
Laurel, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Hannahs Aftercare and Rehab Center
(301) 384-1615
1201 Millgrove Road
Silver Spring, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Seniors/older adults, Women, Residential beds for clients' children

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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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