How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Drexel Hill 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.

Center For Addictive Disease/Main Li
(610) 645-6543
401 Pilgrim Lane
Drexel Hill, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Integrative Life Services
(610) 789-6005
2010 Old West Chester Pike
Havertown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women

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Harwood House
(610) 853-3440
9200 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

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Womanspace
(610) 649-8136
120 Ardmore Avenue
Ardmore, PA
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
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women

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Lower Merion Counseling Services
(610) 520-1510
850 Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

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Child Guidance Resource Centers
(484) 454-8700
2000 Old West Chester Pike
Havertown, PA
Hotline
(484) 454-8700
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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Changing Times Center
(610) 534-3636
9 South 69th Street
Upper Darby, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Family and Community Service of
(610) 626-5800
37 North Glenwood Avenue
Clifton Heights, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Gaudenzia Inc
(215) 477-0063
702 North 63rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Services Provided
Halfway house
Special Programs/Groups
Men

Data Provided by:
Northwestern Human Services of
(610) 534-3636
800 Chester Pike
Sharon Hill, PA
Hotline
(877) 762-3711
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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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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