How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Hayden ID

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.

Powder Basin Associates
(208) 762-3979
7905 Meadowlark Way
Coeur d Alene, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Port of Hope Centers Inc
(208) 664-3300
218 North 23rd Street
Coeur d Alene, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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Riverside Recovery
(208) 476-9393
155-B Main Street
Orofino, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Bell Chem Dependency Counseling Inc
(208) 288-1079
4615 South Locust Grove
Meridian, ID
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, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians

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Upper Valley Resource and Counseling
(208) 359-0519
36 North 2nd West
Rexburg, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women

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Alliance Family Services North Inc
(208) 667-2979
1200 IronWood Drive
Coeur d Alene, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Chem Depend Servs Inpt/Outpt
(208) 666-3890
2003 Lincoln Way
Coeur d Alene, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men

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CLUB Inc
(208) 529-4673
2001 South Woodruff Street
Idaho Falls, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

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Personal Development
(208) 375-0752
8100 West Emerald Street
Boise, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Meyers Counseling Services
(208) 528-6853
354 West Sunnyside
Idaho Falls, ID
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Men, Criminal justice clients

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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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