How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Millersville 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.

Hope House
(410) 923-6700
26 Marbury Drive
Crownsville, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS

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Second Genesis Inc
(301) 621-9013
107 Circle Drive
Crownsville, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Anne Arundel Counseling Inc
(410) 768-5988
7310 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Recovery Resources Group Inc
(410) 787-0964
2-B Crain Highway SW
Glen Burnie, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
We Care Arundel Health Service Inc
(410) 766-9668
13 Aquahart Road
Glen Burnie, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Chrysalis House
(410) 974-6829
1570 Crownsville Road
Crownsville, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
EJAL Health Services Inc
(410) 761-3686
550 Crain Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Anne Arundel County Health Department
(410) 222-6725
122 North Langley Road
Glen Burnie, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Ferry Point Inc
(410) 674-8500
8379 Piney Orchard Parkway
Odenton, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Seniors/older adults, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Portugese

Data Provided by:
Alcohol and Drug Recovery (ADR)
(410) 768-3526
706 North Crain Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

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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