How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Trabuco Canyon CA

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.

Diversified Counseling Services Inc
(949) 455-0744
23177 La Cadena Drive
Laguna Hills, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

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Orange County Healthcare Agency
(949) 643-6930
5 Mareblu Street
Aliso Viejo, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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Hope By The Sea
(949) 218-2690
23822 Stillwater Lane
Laguna Niguel, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Changes for Recovery
(714) 541-4007
300 North Tustin Avenue
Santa Ana, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Miramar Recovery
(949) 497-9189
339 Jasmine Street
Laguna Beach, CA
Hotline
(888) 300-3210
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

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Harbor Wood Services Inc
(949) 699-3413
25251 Paseo de Alicia Street
Laguna Hills, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Able to Change Recovery Inc
(866) 225-3260
31882 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

Data Provided by:
Riverside Recovery Resources
(951) 674-5227
1405 Education Way
Lake Elsinore, CA
Hotline
(951) 674-7354
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Able to Change Recovery Inc
(949) 493-6800
31959 Virginia Way
Laguna Beach, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

Data Provided by:
Pacific Coast Recovery Center
(949) 499-1311
31872 Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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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