How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Ellwood City 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.

Gateway Moffett House
(724) 846-6145
1215-1217 7th Avenue
Beaver Falls, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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White Deer Run of New Castle
(724) 657-9916
25 North Mill Street
New Castle, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Seniors/older adults, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Drug and Alcohol Services
(877) 451-7799
432 Harmony Avenue
Rochester, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Gateway North Hills
(724) 776-4844
1659 Route 228
Cranberry Township, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Gateway Rehabilitation Center
(724) 876-0480
262 Ohio River Boulevard
Baden, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Highland House
(724) 654-7760
312 Highland Avenue
New Castle, PA
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, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Catholic Charities of the Diocese
(724) 658-5526
413 Highland Avenue
New Castle, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Drug and Alcohol Services of
(724) 728-8220
697 State Street
Vanport, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Discovery House
(724) 779-2010
301 Smith Drive
Cranberry Township, PA
Hotline
(724) 779-2010
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women

Data Provided by:
Prevention Network
(724) 869-2222x222
270 Ohio River Boulevard
Baden, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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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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