How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Buckeye AZ

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.

Luke Air Force Base
(623) 856-7579
56 MDOS/SGOMH
Luke AFB, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Pathway Drug Abuse Program
(480) 921-4050
648 South River Drive
Tempe, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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Southeastern AZ
(520) 458-3932
185 South Moorman Avenue
Sierra Vista, AZ
Hotline
(800) 586-9161
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Pregnant/postpartum women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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Intensive Treatment Systems Inc
(602) 248-0550
651 West Coolidge Street
Phoenix, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Rainbow Treatment Center
(928) 338-4858
302 West Ponderosa Street
Whiteriver, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men
Language Services
Apache

Data Provided by:
Western Judicial Services Inc
(623) 936-8828
9550 West Van Buren Street
Tolleson, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Professional Psychology Associates PC
(602) 852-0911
4222 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
PPEP Behavioral Health Services
(520) 387-5232
1021 East Palmdale Street
Tucson, AZ
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:
Arizona Treatment Institute LLC
(520) 836-9788
1927 North Trekell Road
Casa Grande, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Arizona Addiction Treatment
(480) 644-9033
525 West Southern Avenue
Mesa, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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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