How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Crown Point IN

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.

Fresh Start Counseling Services
(219) 736-5990
3490 West 81st Avenue
Merrillville, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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Southlake Center for Mental Health Inc
(219) 769-4005
8555 Taft Street
Merrillville, IN
Hotline
(219) 769-4005
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

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Anglican Social Services of
(219) 942-3476
8555 Grand Boulevard
Merrillville, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

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Discovery House Inc
(219) 985-8144
4195 South Cleveland Street
Gary, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
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

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Sisters of Saint Francis Hlth Svs
(219) 865-2141x45008
24 Joliet Street
Dyer, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Addiction and Behav Counseling Servs
(219) 756-3791
7805 Taft Street
Merrillville, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Croatian, Macedonian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Awakenings LLC
(219) 791-9083
7853 Taft Street
Merrillville, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Serenity House of Gary Inc
(219) 980-1955
5157 Harrison Street
Gary, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Southlake Center for Mental Health Inc
(219) 942-4040
1348 South Lake Park Avenue
Hobart, IN
Hotline
(219) 769-4005
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Integrative Counseling Services
(219) 922-0735
3037 45th Street
Highland, IN
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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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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