How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Conover NC

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.

Doris Lasley and Associates
(828) 465-1007
116 North College Avenue
Newton, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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McLeod Addictive Disease Center
(828) 464-1172
1206 Fairgrove Church Road
Hickory, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Clay Wilson and Associates
(828) 327-6026
1109 2nd Avenue SW
Hickory, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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Surrender House of Lincolnton
(704) 748-9906
322 East McBee Street
Lincolnton, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
America''s Addiction Treatment Inc
(704) 806-0394
2046 Davie Avenue
Statesville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Steps to Success
(828) 291-2115
415 7th Avenue SW
Hickory, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Phoenix Hickory
(828) 326-9141
1146 Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard SE
Hickory, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Family Net of Catawba County
(828) 695-6500
1985 Tate Boulevard
Hickory, NC
Hotline
(282) 320-8956
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Recovery Dynamics
(704) 735-3507
326 East Main Street
Lincolnton, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
McLeod Addictive Disease Center
(704) 871-2992
636 Signal Hill Drive Extension
Statesville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient

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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