How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Deming NM

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.

Border Area Mental Health Services Inc
(575) 546-2174
901 West Hickory Street
Deming, NM
Hotline
(800) 426-0997
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos Inc
(505) 867-3351
1043 Highway 313
Bernalillo, NM
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
La Buena Vida Inc
(505) 565-1619
303 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM
Hotline
(505) 867-2383
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, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Guidance Center of Lea County Inc
(505) 396-3818
315 North 1st Street
Lovington, NM
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Ayudantes Inc
(505) 425-6786
3001 Hot Springs Boulevard
Las Vegas, NM
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Border Area Mental Health Services Inc
(575) 542-9477
500 DeMoss Street
Lordsburg, NM
Hotline
(800) 426-0997
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
La Buena Vida Inc
(505) 867-2383x3015
872 Camino Del Pueblo Street
Bernalillo, NM
Hotline
(505) 269-7596
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
French, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Na Nihzhoozhi Center Inc (NCI)
(505) 722-2177
2205 East Boyd Drive
Gallup, NM
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Language Services
Navajo, Zuni

Data Provided by:
The Counseling Center Inc
(575) 437-7404
1900 East 10th Street
Alamogordo, NM
Hotline
(505) 437-7404
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Ayudantes Inc
(505) 747-0102
1206 North Riverside Drive
Espanola, NM
Hotline
(505) 690-1364
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Data Provided by:

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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