How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Melrose MA

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.

Eastern Middlesex Alcoholism Services
(781) 321-2600
12 Cedar Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

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Arbor Counseling
(781) 322-1503x86
6 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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Riverside Outpatient Center
(781) 246-2010
338 Main Street
Wakefield, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Community Substance Abuse Centers
(617) 889-8779
175 Crescent Avenue
Chelsea, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
Creole, French, Spanish

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Arbour Counseling Services
(781) 932-8792x312
500 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA
Hotline
(781) 932-0114
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
HRI Clinics/DBA Arbour Counseling Serv
(781) 322-1503x24
6 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
German, Spanish

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Tri City Mental Health Center Inc
(781) 388-6200x6260
173 Chelsea Street
Everett, MA
Hotline
(800) 988-1111
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, DUI/DWI offenders

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Bay Cove Human Services
(617) 884-6829
100 Everett Avenue
Chelsea, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Caspar Inc
(617) 661-6020
11 Russell Street
Cambridge, MA
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, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Cambridge Health Alliance
(617) 591-6051
26 Central Street
Somerville, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, Women, Men
Language Services
Portugese

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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