How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Blue Bell PA

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.

Livengrin Counseling Center
(215) 540-8301
220 Commerce Drive
Fort Washington, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Horsham Clinic
(215) 643-7800
722 East Butler Pike
Ambler, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Central Montgomery MH/MR Center
(610) 279-9270
1201 Dekalb Street
Norristown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

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Malvern Institute
(610) 265-4509
100 Ross Road
King Of Prussia, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Community Service Foundation Inc
(215) 348-8881
801 West 2nd Street
Lansdale, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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Valley Forge Medical Center
(610) 539-8500
1033 West Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Men
Language Services
Spanish

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UHS Keystone Center
(215) 542-4825
722 East Butler Pike
Ambler, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Family House
(610) 278-0700
901 Dekalb Street
Norristown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Residential beds for clients' children

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Northwestern Human Services of
(215) 368-2022
400 North Broad Street
Lansdale, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Interim House Inc
(215) 849-4606
333 West Upsal Street
Philadelphia, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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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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