How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Brea CA

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.

DAS Drug Diversion Program
(714) 255-1873
615 North Berry Street
Brea, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

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Alternative Options Counseling and
(714) 995-0359
101 South Kraemer Boulevard
Placentia, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
CA Diversion Intervention Foundation
(714) 633-0502
3100 East Frontera Street
Anaheim, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Alta Institute Inc
(714) 680-0241
524 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men, Criminal justice clients

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Action Consultants/Therapy
(714) 449-9982
1532 #A Commonwealth
Fullerton, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Center for the Trt of Addiction Inc
(714) 992-1677
104 North Raymond Avenue
Fullerton, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
School Ten
(714) 871-9460
2384 East Orangethorpe Avenue
Anaheim, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Orange County Health Care Agency
(714) 517-6140
2035 East Ball Road
Anaheim, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Southern CA Alcohol and Drug Progs Inc
(714) 687-0077
315, 319, and 321 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA
Services Provided
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, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Orange County Healthcare Agency
(714) 447-7099
211 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish, Vietnamese

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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