How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Essex Junction VT

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.

Centerpoint
(802) 654-7711
1025 Airport Drive
South Burlington, VT
Hotline
(802) 864-7777
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Howard Center
(802) 488-6100
855 Pine Street
Burlington, VT
Hotline
(802) 488-6425
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Maple Leaf Farm Associates Inc
(802) 899-2911x206
10 Maple Leaf Road
Underhill, VT
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

Data Provided by:
Howard Center
(802) 524-6265
172 Fairfield Street
Saint Albans, VT
Hotline
(802) 488-6425
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Spectrum Youth and Family Services
(802) 862-5396x310
177 Pearl Street
Burlington, VT
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Lund Family Center
(802) 864-7467
76 Glen Road
Burlington, VT
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Clara Martin Center
(802) 295-1311
39 Fogg Farm Road
Wilder, VT
Hotline
(800) 639-6360
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Youth Services Inc
(802) 257-0361
32 Walnut Street
Brattleboro, VT
Hotline
(802) 257-0361
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Washington County Youth Service Bureau
(802) 229-9151
38 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Data Provided by:

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...

Click here to read the rest of this article from Sober Recovery


Featured Facilities