How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Carnegie 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.

Greenbriar Treatment Center
(412) 788-6292
4955 Steubenville Pike
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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Gateway Rehabilitation Center
(412) 221-9480x2655
331 Hickory Grade Road
Bridgeville, PA
Hotline
(800) 472-1177
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Alliance Medical Services Inc
(412) 488-6360
729 Ensign Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women

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Salvation Army
(412) 231-0500
865 West North Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men

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Turtle Creek Valley MH/MR Inc
(412) 381-2100
70 South 22nd Street
Pittsburgh, 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

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Gateway
(412) 928-5940
2121 Noblestown Road
Pittsburgh, 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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Next Step Foundation
(877) 508-2800
641 Broadway
McKees Rocks, PA

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Tadiso Inc
(412) 322-8415x125
1425 Beaver Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women

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Mercy Hospital
(412) 232-8800
1400 Locust Street
Pittsburgh, PA
Hotline
(888) 424-2287
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

Data Provided by:
Holy Family Social Services-Shores
(412) 761-0236
201 Center Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Criminal justice clients

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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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