How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse North Pole AK

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.

Fort Wainwright Community Counseling
(907) 353-6059
Building 4066
Fort Wainwright, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Project Special Delivery
(907) 452-4222
710 3rd Avenue
Fairbanks, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Tanana Chiefs Conference Inc
(907) 452-8251
122 1st Avenue
Fairbanks, AK
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
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Women''s and Children''s Center for
(907) 451-8164
1027 Evergreen Street
Fairbanks, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Alaska VA Healthcare Sys/Reg Office
(907) 257-4854
2925 DeBarr Road
Anchorage, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Interior AIDS Association
(907) 452-4222
710 3rd Avenue
Fairbanks, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Ralph Perdue Center
(907) 452-6251x211
3100 South Cushman Street
Fairbanks, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Graf Rheeneenhaanjii
(907) 455-4725
2550 Lawlor Road
Fairbanks, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Oonalaska Wellness Center
(907) 581-2751
13 Aleutian Avenue
Unalaska, AK
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
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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