How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Horseheads 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.

Salvation Army Elmira Citadel
(607) 734-0032
401 Division Street
Elmira, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

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Saint Josephs Hospital
(607) 737-7802
555 East Market Street
Elmira, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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CC/Rochester
(607) 937-3767
108 Griffith Street
Corning, NY
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Halfway house

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Tioga County
(607) 565-9594
80 Donnelly Parkway
Waverly, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling
(516) 822-4060
950 South Oyster Bay Road
Hicksville, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Gays and Lesbians, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Economic Opportunity Program Inc
(607) 734-6227x352
650 Baldwin Street
Elmira, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women

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Steuben County Alcoholism and
(607) 937-6201
114 Chestnut Street
Corning, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling and
(607) 535-8260
Mill Creek Center
Watkins Glen, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

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Greenwich House Inc
(212) 691-2900
122 West 27th Street
New York, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

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Hospitality House
(518) 434-6468
271 Central Avenue
Albany, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

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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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