How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Bensenville IL

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.

Leyden Family Service
(847) 451-0330
10001 West Grand Avenue
Franklin Park, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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New Visions Counseling Services Inc
(630) 493-1100
1690 West Lake Street
Addison, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Kevin and Associates Inc
(630) 941-8270
257 North West Avenue
Elmhurst, IL
Hotline
(630) 941-8270
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Language Services
Chinese

Data Provided by:
Families Matter Behavioral Health Inc
(630) 675-7686
2 Mid America Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Soft Landing Interventions
(630) 261-9220
1S224 Summit Avenue
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Serenity House Inc
(630) 620-6616x105
891 South Route 53
Addison, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Elmhurst Memorial Hospital
(630) 941-4577
183 North York Road
Elmhurst, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Confidential DUI Services
(708) 222-0003
17 W662 Butterfield Road
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
MedMark Treatment Centers
(000) 000-0000
2 Transam Plaza Drive
Villa Park, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Procare Centers
(708) 681-0073x5208
1414 West Main Street
Melrose Park, IL
Hotline
(708) 681-4357
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Polish, Spanish

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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