How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Wolcott CT

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.

Morris Foundation Inc
(203) 574-3311
79 Beacon Street
Waterbury, CT
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Residential beds for clients' children

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Connecticut Counseling Centers Inc
(203) 755-8874
4 Midland Road
Waterbury, CT
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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Connecticut Junior Republic
(203) 757-9939
80 Prospect Street
Waterbury, CT
Hotline
(800) 286-1234
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
Spanish

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Saint Mary''s Hospital
(203) 709-6201
100 Jefferson Square
Waterbury, CT
Hotline
(203) 709-6000
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Women

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Central Naugatuck Valley Help Inc
(203) 756-8984
900 Watertown Avenue
Waterbury, CT
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men

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Family Intervention Center
(203) 753-2153
1875 Thomaston Avenue
Waterbury, CT
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Connecticut Renaissance Inc
(203) 753-2341
31 Wolcott Street
Waterbury, CT
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Morris Foundation Inc
(203) 755-1143x755
402 East Main Street
Waterbury, CT
Hotline
(203) 755-1143
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Hindi

Data Provided by:
Morris House
(203) 574-3986
26 North Elm Street
Waterbury, CT
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Hartford Dispensary
(860) 589-6433
1098 Farmington Avenue
Bristol, CT
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Seniors/older adults, Women
Language Services
Spanish

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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