How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Swampscott 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.

CAB Health and Recovery Services Inc
(781) 598-1270x228
100 Green Street
Lynn, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Project Cope
(781) 581-9270
181 Union Street
Lynn, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

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Leland Unit Beverly Hospital
(781) 477-6965
85 Herrick Street
Beverly, 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

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CAB Health and Recovery Services Inc
(978) 777-2121
111 Middleton Road
Danvers, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Men
Language Services
Spanish

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HRI Clinics/DBA Arbour Counseling Serv
(781) 322-1503x24
6 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
German, Spanish

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CAB Health and Recovery Services Inc
(978) 745-8890
27 Congress Street
Salem, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Greek, Portugese

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Inn Transition
(978) 531-9951x15
42 Washington Street
Peabody, MA
Services Provided
Halfway house

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North Shore Counseling Center
(978) 922-2280
23 Broadway
Beverly, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Health and Education Services Inc
(978) 921-1190x0
800 Cummings Center
Beverly, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Eastern Middlesex Alcoholism Services
(781) 321-2600
12 Cedar Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
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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