How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Chevy Chase 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.

Suburban Hospital
(301) 896-3100
8600 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD
Services Provided
Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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Kolmac Clinic
(301) 589-0255
1003 Spring Street
Silver Spring, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Another Way Inc
(301) 434-2622
1363 Holton Lane
Takoma Park, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
French, Spanish

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Washington Adventist Hospital
(301) 891-7600x5600
7600 Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
Spanish

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Circles of Hope Psychotherapy and
(202) 265-2343
3000 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC
Hotline
(202) 332-9130
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Walter Reed Army Medical Center
(202) 782-3969
MCWR-DCA-CCC
Washington, DC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Counseling Plus Inc
(301) 565-9001
8561 Fenton Street
Silver Spring, MD
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese

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Psychiatric Institute of Washington
(202) 885-5600
4228 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Bridge Back Program
(202) 829-9199
4800 Arkansas Avenue NW
Washington, DC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Executive Addictive Disease Progs Inc
(202) 362-2588
4335 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders

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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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