How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Middle River MD

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.

Chesapeake Counseling Services
(410) 682-4141
7 Margaret Avenue
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Alternatives to Dependency
(410) 391-8240
532 Eastern Boulevard
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

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MBA Southeast Baltimore County
(410) 486-2500
8860 Citation Road
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women

Data Provided by:
Hart Group
(410) 661-7200
8035 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Turning Corners Inc
(410) 485-8876
9525 Harford Rd
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
EPOCH Counseling Center
(410) 574-2500
621 Stemmers Run Road
Essex, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
S and S Counseling Service
(410) 574-1850
618 Eastern Boulevard
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
JOPPA Health Serices Inc
(410) 538-5809
623 Pulaski Highway
Joppa, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
BD Health Services
(410) 477-0744
3955 Old North Point Boulevard
Baltimore, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Wise Treatment Center
(410) 477-3267
8801 Wise Avenue
Dundalk, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
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, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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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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