How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Cheney 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.

Camas Institute Behavioral Health Serv
(509) 456-0799x4179
934 South Garfield Road
Airway Heights, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Cree, Ojibwa, Salish, Spanish

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Sun Ray Court
(509) 456-5465
518 South Browne Street
Spokane, WA
Hotline
(206) 722-3700
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Northeast Washington
(509) 326-7740
1224 North Ash Street
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Spokane Public Schools - District 81
(509) 354-6336
200 North Bernard Street
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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Colonial Clinic
(509) 327-9831
North 910 Washington Street
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

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Isabella House
(509) 624-1244x23
2308 West 3rd Avenue
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women

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Spokane Addiction Recovery Centers
(509) 624-3251
1509 West 8th Avenue
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

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Native Project
(509) 325-5502
1803 West Maxwell Avenue
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Lakota, Salish, Spanish

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Daybreak Youth Services
(509) 444-7033
960 East 3rd Avenue
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
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, Russian, Spanish

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Social Treatment Opportunity Programs
(509) 326-5172
628 North Monroe Avenue
Spokane, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, 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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