How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Christiansburg VA

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.

New River Valley Community Services
(540) 831-4000
7193 Warden Court
Radford, VA
Hotline
(540) 961-8400
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

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Clinch Valley Treatment Center
(276) 963-3554
111 Town Hollow Road
Cedar Bluff, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men

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Norfolk Community Services Board
(757) 664-6670
7460 Tidewater Drive
Norfolk, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Human Resources Inc
(804) 644-4636
15 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men

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Recovery For The City International
(757) 575-0952
3419 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

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WTCSB Smithfield Center
(757) 357-7458
1801 South Church Street
Smithfield, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Frontier Health Inc
(276) 451-1144
175 Military Lane
Gate City, VA
Hotline
(276) 452-1144
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Inova Kellar Center Behavioral
(703) 218-8500
11204 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Riverside Behavioral Health Center
(757) 827-1001
2244 Executive Drive
Hampton, VA
Hotline
(757) 827-1001
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Bridging the Gaps Inc
(540) 535-1111
423 West Cork Street
Winchester, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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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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