How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Huntersville NC

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.

Hope Haven Inc
(704) 372-8809x212
3815 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Residential beds for clients' children, Men

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Miracles Inc Healing Center
(704) 664-1009
134 Professional Park Drive
Mooresville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women

Data Provided by:
Counseling Center of Iredell
(704) 872-7638
120 South Park Avenue
Mooresville, NC
Hotline
(704) 872-7638
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Davis and Davis New Beginnings Inc
(704) 343-2462
624 North Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Charlotte Rescue Mission
(704) 334-4635
907 West 1st Street
Charlotte, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Men

Data Provided by:
Professional Care Management
(704) 455-8128
4351 Main Street
Harrisburg, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
ARP/Phoenix
(704) 799-0008
398 North Main Street
Mooresville, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Beth Arrigo Psychotherapy
(704) 788-2094
5443 Village Drive
Concord, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Metro Treatment of North Carolina
(704) 697-0044
3315 Wilkinson Boulevard
Charlotte, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Assessment Dynamics
(704) 537-9740
5107 Monroe Road
Charlotte, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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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