How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Silverdale WA

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.

Cascade Recovery Center
(360) 698-7267
9095 McConnell Avenue NW
Silverdale, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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A New Beginning with Advantages
(360) 598-3929
19351 8th Avenue
Poulsbo, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Cascadia Addiction Treatment Services
(360) 373-0155
2817 Wheaton Way
Bremerton, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders

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Advantages Counseling Services
(360) 479-0853
645 4th Street
Bremerton, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

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Olympic Educational Services
(360) 405-5833
105 National Avenue North
Bremerton, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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Naval Hospital Bremerton
(360) 315-3902
Building 2850
Silverdale, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Cascade Recovery Center North
(360) 697-7721
2017 Front Street
Poulsbo, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

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Right Choice Counseling Serv Inc
(360) 373-4077
1740 NE Riddell Road
Bremerton, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Suquamish Tribe Wellness Program
(360) 394-5200
18490 Suquamish
Suquamish, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Halfway house, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Agape Unlimited
(360) 373-1529
5464 Kitsap Way
Bremerton, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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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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