How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Muscle Shoals AL

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.

Shoals Treatment Center
(256) 383-6646
3430 North Jackson Highway
Sheffield, AL
Hotline
(256) 710-4865
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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Riverbend Center for Mental Health
(256) 764-3431x205
635 West College Street
Florence, AL
Hotline
(256) 764-3431
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Sunrise Lodge
(256) 332-0078
1163 Washington Avenue SW
Russellville, AL
Hotline
(256) 764-3431
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
West Alabama Mental Health Center
(334) 289-2410x26
1215 Walnut Avenue South
Demopolis, AL
Hotline
(800) 239-2901
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Baldwin County Mental Health Center
(251) 990-4234
372 South Greeno Road
Fairhope, AL
Hotline
(251) 990-4234
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Bradford Health Services
(256) 760-0200
1626 Florence Boulevard
Florence, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Freedom House
(256) 332-1230
111 Jackson Avenue South
Russellville, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Bradford Health Services
(334) 671-1677
114 Adris Place
Dothan, AL
Hotline
(334) 671-1677
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Army Substance Abuse Program
(334) 255-7509
Lyster Army Health Clinic
Fort Rucker, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Central Alabama Veterans
(334) 727-0550
2400 Hospital Road
Tuskegee, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women

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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