How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Vinton VA

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.

Avenues to Recovery Inc
(540) 344-3400
20 Walnut Avenue SW
Roanoke, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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Mount Regis Center
(800) 477-3447
405 Kimball Avenue
Salem, VA
Hotline
(800) 477-3447
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

Data Provided by:
Danville Pittsylvania Community Servs
(434) 799-0456
245 Hairston Street
Danville, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Recovery Center of Richmond
(804) 560-5400
9323 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA
Hotline
(804) 733-6874
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

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Northwestern Community Services Board
(540) 636-2931
209 West Criser Road
Front Royal, VA
Hotline
(540) 635-4357
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Bethany Hall Recovery Home for
(540) 343-4261
1109 Franklin Road SW
Roanoke, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Lewis Gale Center
(540) 772-2801x2848
1902 Braeburn Drive
Salem, VA
Hotline
(800) 541-9992
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
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Western Tidewater Mental Health Center
(757) 925-2222
135 South Saratoga Street
Suffolk, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Chesterfield Department of
(804) 768-7220
6801 Lucy Corr Boulevard
Chesterfield, VA
Hotline
(804) 748-6356
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Council on Alcoholism
(540) 662-8877
512 South Braddock Street
Winchester, VA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

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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