How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Evergreen CO

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.

Mountain Meadow Counseling LLC
(303) 679-1555
28577 Buffalo Park Road
Evergreen, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Dove Counseling Inc
(303) 216-9873
607 10th Street
Golden, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
National Institute For Change
(303) 231-0090x101
622 Gardenia Court
Golden, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
John E Davis MA
(720) 922-9779
8101 South Shaffer Parkway
Littleton, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Jefferson Center for Mental Health
(303) 567-3131x138
1531 Colorado Boulevard
Idaho Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Lost and Found Inc
(303) 420-8080x2108
9189 South Turkey Creek Road
Morrison, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Choices In Living Counseling Center
(303) 431-5664
1500 Ford Street
Golden, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Lighthouse Counseling Center Inc
(303) 979-1643
8101 South Shaffer Parkway
Littleton, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Rangeview Counseling Center
(303) 447-2038
Winter Park Lodge II
Fraser, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Choices in Living Counseling Center
(303) 567-4229
1800 Colorado Street
Idaho Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
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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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