How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Elkridge MD

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.

EPOCH Counseling Center
(410) 789-2647
3902 Annapolis Road
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Men, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Tagalog

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Addiction Recovery Services
(443) 812-2758
8950 State Route 108
Columbia, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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Columbia Addictions Center
(410) 730-1333
5570 Sterrett Place
Columbia, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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Alcohol and Drug Intervention Inc
(410) 787-2288
7458 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard
Glen Burnie, MD
Hotline
(410) 787-2288
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Counseling Resources
(410) 461-8662
8388 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Greek, Spanish

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A Better Way Counseling Services
(410) 730-4500
9017 Red Branch Road
Columbia, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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Howard County Health Department
(410) 313-6202
7178 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Recovery Resources Group Inc
(410) 787-0964
2-B Crain Highway SW
Glen Burnie, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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Integrative Counseling LLC
(410) 740-8067
10632 Little Patukent Parkway
Columbia, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Anne Arundel County Health Department
(410) 222-6725
122 North Langley Road
Glen Burnie, MD
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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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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