How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Lake Wales FL

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.

Tri County Human Services
(863) 299-5286
41 3rd Street SW
Winter Haven, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women

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Adjustment and Awareness
(863) 291-3155
243 3rd Street SW
Winter Haven, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Center for Family Services of
(561) 330-2266
440 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
New Horizons of the Treasure Coast Inc
(772) 778-7217
777 37th Street
Vero Beach, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Riverside House
(305) 545-0926
968 NW 2nd Street
Miami, FL
Services Provided
Halfway house

Data Provided by:
Tri County Human Services
(863) 452-3858x221
100 West College Drive
Avon Park, FL
Hotline
(863) 533-4139
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Comprehensive Addictions Trt Services
(352) 732-2287
730 SE Osceola Avenue
Ocala, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Tri County Human Services
(863) 701-7373
5421 U.S. Highway 98 South
Highland City, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Refuge A Healing Place
(352) 288-3333
14835 SE 85th Street
Ocklawaha, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Professional Health Network Inc
(305) 274-4330
10631 North Kendall Drive
Miami, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Language Services
Creole, French, 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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