How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Waxhaw NC

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.

BHC First Step
(704) 283-2043
1623 Sunset Drive
Monroe, NC
Hotline
(800) 481-2065
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Daymark Recovery Services
(704) 296-6200
1190 West Roosevelt Boulevard
Monroe, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

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New Beginnings
(704) 821-4291
5719 Highway 74 West
Monroe, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Springs Memorial Hospital
(803) 286-1491
800 West Meeting Street
Lancaster, SC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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Chemical Dependency Center
(704) 376-7447
100 Billingsley Road
Charlotte, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Americas Addiction Treatment Inc


Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
McLeod Addictive Disease Center
(704) 332-9001
2208 West Roosevelt Boulevard
Monroe, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient

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York County Treatment Center
(803) 547-7238
377 Rubin Center Drive
Fort Mill, SC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Counseling Services of Lancaster
(803) 285-6912
114 South Main Street
Lancaster, SC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Mecklenburg County Area MH Authority
(704) 336-3067
429 Billingsley Road
Charlotte, NC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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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