How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Buckley WA

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.

Prosperity Counseling and
(253) 863-9667
1723 Bonney Avenue
Sumner, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Center East
(253) 863-0682
1110 Fryar Avenue
Sumner, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Alcohol Drug Services of WA
(253) 848-6887
10312 120th Street East
Puyallup, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Pacific Rim Counseling Inc
(253) 841-4284
319 South Meridian Street
Puyallup, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Valley Cities Counseling/Consultation
(253) 939-4055
2704 I Street
Auburn, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Exodus Counseling and Treatment Servs
(253) 891-2662
918 Alder Avenue
Sumner, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Sound Counseling Inc
(253) 841-8165
719 East Main Avenue
Puyallup, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Rainier Counseling
(360) 802-0446
847 Blake Street
Enumclaw, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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All About Choices Inc
(253) 218-0317
1833 Auburn Way North
Auburn, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Future Visions Program Inc
(253) 735-2718
620 M Street NE
Auburn, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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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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