How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse

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.

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Aspen Ridge Counseling Center
801-990-4300
2711 South 8500 West
Services offered:
Substance abuse treatment, Accepts clients on opioid medication, Individual counseling offered, Group counseling offered, Family counseling offered, Marital/couples counseling offered, Aftercare/continuing care, Comprehensive mental health assessment, Comprehensive substance abuse assessment, Discharge Planning, Mental health services, Substance abuse education, Screening for mental health disorders, Screening for substance abuse, Social skills development, Case management, Drug or alcohol urine screening, Screening for tobacco use, Domestic violence services - family or partner, Treatment for non-substance abuse addiction disorder,
Aspen Ridge Counseling Center
801-990-4300
2711 South 8500 West
Services offered:Substance abuse treatment, Accepts clients on opioid medication, Individual counseling offered, Group counseling offered, Family counseling offered, Marital/couples counseling offered, Aftercare/continuing care, Comprehensive mental health assessment, Comprehensive substance abuse assessment, Discharge Planning, Mental health services, Substance abuse education, Screening for mental health disorders, Screening for substance abuse, Social skills development, Case management, Drug or alcohol urine screening, Screening for tobacco use, Domestic violence services - family or partner, Treatment for non-substance abuse addiction disorder

Service Setting:Outpatient, Regular outpatient treatment

Insurance Accepted:Cash or self-payment, Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., TRICARE)

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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