How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Godfrey 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.

Community Counseling Center of
(618) 462-2331
2615 Edwards Street
Alton, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Tri County Counseling Center
(618) 498-9587
220 East County Road
Jerseyville, IL
Hotline
(618) 498-9587
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Preferred Family Healthcare Inc
(636) 946-6376
2 Westbury Street
Saint Charles, MO
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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Alcoholic Rehab Community Home
(618) 877-4987
1313 21st Street
Granite City, IL
Hotline
(618) 877-4987
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

Data Provided by:
Intensive Outpatient Care Inc
(618) 656-7064
156 North Main Street
Edwardsville, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
First Step DUI Evaluation/Counseling
(618) 616-0437
307 Henry Street
Alton, IL
Hotline
(618) 616-0437
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Chestnut Health Systems Inc
(618) 877-4420
50 Northgate Industrial Drive
Granite City, IL
Hotline
(618) 877-4420
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Community Services of MO
(314) 831-9002
7227 North Lindbergh
Hazelwood, MO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Center for Life Solution Inc II
(314) 731-0100x12
637 Dunn Road
Hazelwood, MO
Hotline
(314) 302-6728
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Men

Data Provided by:
Westend Clinic Inc
(314) 381-0560
5736 West Florissant Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO
Hotline
(314) 381-0560
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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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