How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Bear DE

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.

Brandywine Counseling Inc
(302) 454-3020x22
24 Brookhill Drive
Newark, DE
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Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
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Outpatient
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Connections CSP Inc
(302) 836-8260
171 Newcastle Avenue
Delaware City, DE
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Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
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Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
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ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Haven House Inc
(410) 398-5868
1195 Augustine Herman Highway
Elkton, MD
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Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Pace Inc
(302) 999-9812
5171 West Woodmill Drive
Wilmington, DE
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Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Family Services Association
(410) 398-4060
718 Bridge Street
Elkton, MD
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Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, DUI/DWI offenders

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Cornerstone Alcohol and Drug
(302) 836-8260
171 Newcastle Avenue
Delaware City, DE
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Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men

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Open Door Inc
(302) 731-1504
254 East Main Street
Newark, DE
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Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

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Connections CSP Inc
(302) 454-7520
Polly Drummond Office Plaza
Newark, DE
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Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Criminal justice clients

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Cecil County Health Department
(410) 996-5106
401 Bow Street
Elkton, MD
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Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Advanced Treatment Systems
(410) 620-6077
212 Blue Ball Avenue
Elkton, MD
Hotline
(877) 637-6237
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Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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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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