How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Clairton 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) 885-7180
4275 Clairton Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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Gateway Pleasant Hills
(412) 466-7734
500 Lewis Run Road
West Mifflin, 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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Pennsylvania Organization for
(412) 271-0500x116
7445 Church Street
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women

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Pyramid Healthcare INC Transitions
(412) 241-5341x202
501 South Avenue
Wilkinsburg, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Addison Behavioral Care Inc
(412) 731-2353
905 West Street
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Auberle
(412) 673-5856x1303
2513 Fifth Avenue
McKeesport, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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UPMC Braddock
(412) 636-5000x5354
400 Holland Avenue
Braddock, PA
Hotline
(412) 636-5000
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
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:
Family Links
(412) 381-8230
843 Climax Way
Pittsburgh, PA
Hotline
(412) 661-1800
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Mercy Behaviroal Health
(412) 232-3900
330 South 9th Street
Pittsburgh, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, French, Italian, Portugese

Data Provided by:
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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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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