How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Elk Grove Village IL

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.

Counseling Center of Illinois
(773) 777-6767
115 South Wilke Road
Arlington Heights, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Schaumburg Interventions and
(847) 882-8908
1340 Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Northwest Community Hospital
(847) 618-2700
901 West Kirchoff Road
Arlington Heights, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Arlington Center for Recovery LLC
(847) 427-9680
1655 S Arlington Heights Road 200
Arlington Heights, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Wendy Stebbins and Associates
(847) 330-0990
1701 East Woodfield Road
Schaumburg, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Paragon Counseling and DUI Services
(630) 351-9293
400 West Lake Street
Roselle, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
McDermott Center/Haymarket Center
(847) 397-5340
1990 East Algonquin Road
Schaumburg, IL
Hotline
(312) 226-4357
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Adult Counseling and Educational Servs
(847) 593-6201
415 East Golf Road
Arlington Heights, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
LSSSI-BHS in the Northwest Suburbs
(847) 619-0849
1111 North Plaza Drive
Schaumburg, IL
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:
Serenity House Inc
(630) 620-6616x105
891 South Route 53
Addison, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
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...

Click here to read the rest of this article from Sober Recovery


Featured Facilities