How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Bluefield WV

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.

Mercer County Fellowship Home Inc
(304) 327-9876
421 Scott Street
Bluefield, WV
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

Data Provided by:
United Summit Center
(304) 623-5661
6 Hospital Plaza
Clarksburg, WV
Hotline
(800) 786-6480
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Pregnant/postpartum women, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Seneca Health Services Inc
(304) 799-6865
704 3rd Avenue
Marlinton, WV
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Men

Data Provided by:
Southern West Virginia
(304) 253-1441
201 Woodlawn Avenue
Beckley, WV
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

Data Provided by:
Appalachian Community Health Ctr Inc
(304) 472-2022
27 South Kanawha Street
Buckhannon, WV
Hotline
(888) 357-3232
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Southern Highlands Comm MH Center Inc
(304) 425-9541x228
200 12th Street Extension
Princeton, WV
Hotline
(304) 425-0122
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Appalachian Community Health Ctr Inc
(304) 823-3873
1410 Crim Avenue
Belington, WV
Hotline
(888) 357-3232
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Westbrook Health Services
(304) 485-1721x115
2121 7th Street
Parkersburg, WV
Hotline
(304) 485-1701
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Potomac Highlands MH Guild Inc
(304) 788-2241
Mineral County Office
Keyser, WV
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Valley Healthcare System
(304) 329-1059
202 Tunnelton Street
Kingwood, WV
Hotline
(800) 232-0020
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
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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