How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Farmingville NY

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.

YMCA of Long Island
(631) 580-7777
2545 Middle Country Road
Centereach, NY
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

Data Provided by:
Community Counseling Services of
(631) 471-3122
3281 Veterans Memorial Highway
Ronkonkoma, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Phoenix Houses of Long Island
(631) 471-5666
153A Lake Shore Road
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
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, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
John T Mather Memorial Hospital
(631) 331-8200
208 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY
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

Data Provided by:
Saint Charles Hospital
(631) 474-6233
200 Belle Terre Road
Port Jefferson, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Seafield Services Inc
(631) 451-6007
2852-C Route 112
Medford, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Phoenix House
(631) 471-5666x5531
153 Lake Shore Road
Ronkonkoma, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Counseling Mediation/Forensic Services
(631) 218-0968
30 Floyd Run
Bohemia, NY
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

Data Provided by:
Catholic Charities/Talbot House
(631) 589-4144
30 Carlough Road
Bohemia, NY
Hotline
(631) 589-4144
Services Provided
Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)

Data Provided by:
Outreach Development Corporation
(631) 286-0700x112
11 Farber Drive
Bellport, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

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