How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Newton Center 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.

Bournewood Hospital
(617) 469-0300x309
300 South Street
Chestnut Hill, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, 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
Language Services
Polish, Russian, Spanish

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Catholic Charities
(617) 332-9905
295 Adams Street (Rear)
Newton, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children

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Substance Abuse Treatment Program
(617) 232-9500x232
150 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient

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Children''s Hosp Martha Eliot Hlth Ctr
(617) 971-2204
75 Bickford Street
Jamaica Plain, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, Criminal justice clients

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Roxbury Comp Comm Health Center Inc
(617) 541-3670x221
170 Morton Street
Jamaica Plain, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Creole, French, Spanish

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Riverside Outpatient Center
(617) 969-4925
64 Eldredge Street
Newton, MA
Hotline
(800) 529-5077
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Faulkner Hospital
(617) 983-7711
1153 Centre Street
Jamaica Plain, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men

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Victory Programs Inc
(617) 522-2936
170 Morton Street
Jamaica Plain, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Language Services
Portugese, Spanish

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Brookside Community Health Center
(617) 983-6047
3297 Washington Street
Jamaica Plain, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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Sullivan House
(617) 524-4416
65 Glen Road
Jamaica Plain, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Men

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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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