How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Bowie MD

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.

Gaudenzia Inc
(301) 324-1201x102
337 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Ferry Point Inc
(410) 674-8500
8379 Piney Orchard Parkway
Odenton, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Seniors/older adults, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Portugese

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Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
(301) 677-8538
2481 Llewellyn Avenue
Fort George G Meade, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Renaissance Treatment Center
(301) 925-2255
525 Eastern Avenue
Capitol Heights, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Hope House
(410) 923-6700
26 Marbury Drive
Crownsville, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , 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
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS

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Prince Georges County Health Dept
(301) 583-5920
3003 Hospital Drive
Cheverly, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese

Data Provided by:
Recovery Network
(301) 345-1919
6201 Greenbelt Road
College Park, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Children and Parents Program
(301) 324-2872
501 Hampton Park Boulevard
Capitol Heights, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women

Data Provided by:
Comprehensive Treatment Services Inc
(301) 324-3757
8900 Edgeworth Drive
Capitol Heights, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
French

Data Provided by:
Second Genesis Inc
(301) 621-9013
107 Circle Drive
Crownsville, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

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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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