How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Bonita Springs FL

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.

David Lawrence Center
(239) 455-8500
6075 Bathey Lane
Naples, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Residential beds for clients' children, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Creole, French, Spanish

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David Lawrence Center
(239) 643-6101
2806 South Horseshoe Drive
Naples, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Naples Community Hospital Inc
(239) 436-5215
350 7th Street North
Naples, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Aim Target Programs Inc
(239) 939-3363
3677 Central Avenue
Fort Myers, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Treatment Works
(239) 275-5050
3651 Evans Avenue
Fort Myers, FL
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
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Omega Centre
(239) 489-4705
8695 College Parkway
Fort Myers, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Treatment Works
(239) 263-1161
211 Airport Road South
Naples, FL
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
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Therese M Reynolds MA LMHC NCC
(239) 936-1796
3949 Evans Avenue
Fort Myers, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Southwest FL Addiction Services Inc
(239) 338-2306
2450 Prince Street
Fort Myers, FL
Hotline
(239) 332-6989
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
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Southwest FL Addiction Services Inc
(239) 332-6937x133
2101 McGregor Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL
Hotline
(239) 332-6989
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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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