How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse New Paltz NY

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.

Child and Family Guidance Center
(845) 691-9191
106 Vineyard Avenue
Highland, NY
Hotline
(845) 691-9191
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
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Waryas House
(845) 452-1913x103
101 Inwood Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery Center
(845) 452-9168
230 Church Street
Poughkeepsie, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

Data Provided by:
Veritas Villa Inc
(845) 626-3555
5 Ridgeview Road
Kerhonkson, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women

Data Provided by:
Never Alone Inc
(845) 339-4272
20 Crofts Road
Hurley, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Dutchess County Dept of Mental Hygiene
(845) 486-3680
82 Washington Street
Poughkeepsie, NY
Hotline
(845) 485-9700
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery Centers
(845) 471-0310
51 Cannon Street
Poughkeepsie, NY
Services Provided
Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)

Data Provided by:
Saint Josephs Rehabilitation Center
(845) 483-7051
7 Fallkill Place
Poughkeepsie, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery Center
(845) 454-4661
2103 New Hackensack Road
Poughkeepsie, NY
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

Data Provided by:
Astor School Based Clinic
(845) 486-4840
900 Dutchess Turnpike
Poughkeepsie, NY
Hotline
(845) 485-9700
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Data Provided by:

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...

Click here to read the rest of this article from Sober Recovery


Featured Facilities