How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Rutherford NJ

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.

Counseling Care Associates
(201) 896-4840
186 Paterson Avenue
East Rutherford, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Northeast Life Skills Associates Inc
(973) 777-2962x102
121 Howe Avenue
Passaic, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
SERV Behavioral Health System Inc
(973) 594-0125
777 Bloomfield Avenue
Clifton, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Marriage and Family Counseling Center
(973) 759-3388
387 Union Avenue
Belleville, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Clifton Counseling Services
(973) 779-2878
60 Hadley Avenue
Clifton, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Polish, Russian, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare
(201) 935-3322
516 Valley Brook Avenue
Lyndhurst, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Passaic Alliance
(973) 365-5740
286 Passaic Street
Passaic, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Men
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Turning Point Inc
(973) 239-9400
595 County Avenue
Secaucus, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
CURA Inc
(973) 622-3570
595 County Avenue
Secaucus, NJ
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, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Integrity Inc
(201) 583-7100x7126
595 County Avenue
Secaucus, NJ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Halfway house, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

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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