How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Bridgeview 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.

Forest Counseling Center
(708) 594-3500
9050 West 81st Street
Justice, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Associates In Alcohol and
(708) 233-0161
8938 South Ridgeland Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Radius Foundation Inc
(708) 424-3085
10522 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women

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Addiction Recovery Services, Inc.
(773) 581-2121
5514 South Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Advocate Christ Medical Center
(708) 684-1337
4440 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Pillars Community Services
(708) 741-4500x741
8020 West 87th Street
Hickory Hills, IL
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
Language Services
Spanish

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Baxter and Sheeren Inc
(708) 974-1177
10761 South Roberts Road
Palos Hills, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Crossmont and Associates Inc
(708) 229-0700
10522 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Russian, Spanish

Data Provided by:
All Types Counseling Services LLC
(708) 599-4220
9944 South Roberts Road
Palos Hills, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
New Hope Community Service Center
(773) 737-9555
2559 West 79th Street
Chicago, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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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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