How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Haledon NJ

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.

Pilgrimage Outreach
(973) 389-2165
449 Union Street
Paterson, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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Evas Kitchen and Sheltering Progs Inc
(973) 754-6780
16 Spring Street
Paterson, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women

Data Provided by:
Dr Sam Pirozzi
(973) 694-5656
55 Monterey Drive
Wayne, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Options Counseling Center
(973) 345-1883
9 West Broadway
Paterson, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Damon House Inc
(973) 279-5563
175 Market Street
Paterson, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Wayne Counseling Center Inc
(973) 694-1234
1022 Hamburg Turnpike
Wayne, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Paterson Counseling Center Inc
(973) 523-8316x7221
319-321 Main Street
Paterson, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
Polish, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Sakowitz Counseling
(973) 696-5668x10
11 Colbern Court
Wayne, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Hana Amission
(973) 357-0066
10 Marshall Street
Paterson, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

Data Provided by:
Inner City Counseling Services
(973) 595-1471
152 Market Street
Paterson, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

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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