How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Lynden WA

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.

Nooksack Tribe''s Genesis II
(360) 966-7704
6750 Mission Road
Everson, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Residential beds for clients' children, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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Lighthouse
(360) 332-8549
383 Martin Street
Blaine, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women

Data Provided by:
Sea Mar Visions
(360) 647-4266
1603 East Illinois Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Advanced Choices
(360) 752-3262
2505 Cedarwood Avenue
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
CCS Recovery Center
(360) 676-2187x105
2806 Douglas Avenue
Bellingham, WA
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, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Saint Joseph Hospital/ Ferndale Branch
(360) 715-6400
2376 Main Street
Ferndale, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Sea Mar Substance Abuse Program
(360) 734-5458
4455 Cordata Parkway
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Belair Clinic
(360) 676-4485
1130 North State Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Whatcom Community Detox
(360) 676-2205x5
2030 Division Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Westcoast Counseling and Treatment Ctr
(360) 647-7577
1200 Dupont Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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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