How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Stanwood 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.

Center for Counseling and
(360) 629-4842
9727 271st Street NW
Stanwood, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Tulalip Tribal Family Services
(360) 651-3351
2821 Mission Hill Road
Marysville, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Men

Data Provided by:
Catholic Community Services
(360) 651-2366
1227 2nd Street
Marysville, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
North Sound Assessment and
(425) 252-1779
1316 Wall Street
Everett, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Island Assessment and Counseling Ctr
(360) 675-5782
520 East Whidbey Avenue
Oak Harbor, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Compass Health Coupeville
(360) 678-5555
105 NW 1st Street
Coupeville, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Clearview Counseling
(360) 653-0374x111
1106 Columbia Avenue
Marysville, WA
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:
Evergreen Manor Inc
(425) 259-5842
2932 Hoyt Avenue
Everett, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Sea Mar Substance Abuse and MH
(360) 542-8920
2500 East College Way
Mount Vernon, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Seniors/older adults, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Phoenix Recovery Services
(360) 848-8437
1601 East College Way
Mount Vernon, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women

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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