How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Comstock Park MI

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.

Arbor Circle Corporation
(616) 459-7215
1115 Ball Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI
Hotline
(616) 485-3001
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, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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North Kent Guidance Services LLC
(616) 361-5001
5250 Northland Drive NE
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Pine Rest Christian Mental Hlth Servs
(616) 222-3720
550 3 Mile Road
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Pine Rest
(616) 227-6861
523 Lyon Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Our Hope Association
(616) 451-2039
324 Lyon Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Ottawa, Romanian, Spanish

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West Michigan Addiction Consultants PC
(616) 365-8800
3001 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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Pine Rest Christian Mental Hlth Servs
(616) 364-1500
1700 East Beltline Street
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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SOS Counseling Services
(616) 732-8110
942 West Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

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Catholic Charities West Michigan
(616) 356-6289
40 Jefferson Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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Salvation Army
(616) 742-0351x742
72 Sheldon Boulevard SE
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient

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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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