How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Alsip IL

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.

A Safe Haven
(708) 389-6450
12535 South Central Street
Alsip, IL
Hotline
(312) 372-6707
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Residential beds for clients' children

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Prevention Classes Inc
(773) 239-2830
10435 South Kedzie Avenue
Chicago, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

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New Visions Counseling Services Inc
(630) 493-1100
7808 West College Drive
Palos Heights, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Crossmont and Associates Inc
(708) 229-0700
10522 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Russian, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Radius Foundation Inc
(708) 424-3085
10522 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women

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Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
(773) 881-1900x11
3220 West 115th Street
Chicago, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Palos Community Hospital
(708) 923-4000x5775
12251 South 80th Avenue
Palos Heights, IL
Hotline
(708) 361-8255
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults

Data Provided by:
Guildhaus Halfway House
(708) 385-3228
2413 West Canal Street
Blue Island, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

Data Provided by:
Associates In Alcohol and
(708) 233-0161
8938 South Ridgeland Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Advocate Christ Medical Center
(708) 684-1337
4440 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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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