How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Clifton Park NY

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.

Bridge Center of Schenectady Inc
(518) 346-1277
72 Union Avenue
Schenectady, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

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Carver Community Counseling Services
(518) 382-7838
846 State Street
Schenectady, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Conifer Park Inc
(518) 372-7031
600 Franklin Street
Schenectady, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Saint Peters Addiction Recovery Center
(518) 357-2909
2925 Hamburg Street
Schenectady, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Hope House Inc
(518) 452-0001x14
1 Hill House Road
Albany, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Saint Peters Addiction Recovery Center
(518) 783-5381
636 New Loudon Road
Latham, NY
Hotline
(518) 783-5381
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Conifer Park Inc
(518) 399-6446
79 Glenridge Road
Glenville, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
New Choices Recovery Center
(518) 346-4436
406-408 Summit Avenue
Schenectady, NY
Hotline
(518) 346-4436
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Hudson Mohawk Supportive Living
(518) 272-3918
559-565 Sixth Avenue
Troy, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Hedgerow House Apartment Program
(518) 885-3872
994 Route 67
Ballston Spa, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

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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