How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Foley AL

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.

Baldwin County Mental Health Center
(251) 990-4234
372 South Greeno Road
Fairhope, AL
Hotline
(251) 990-4234
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Bridge Inc
(205) 594-3111
474 10th Street
Ashville, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Shoals Treatment Center
(256) 383-6646
3430 North Jackson Highway
Sheffield, AL
Hotline
(256) 710-4865
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Aletheia House
(205) 595-1114
4246 5th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Chemical Addictions Program Inc (CAP)
(334) 269-2150
1153 Air Base Boulevard
Montgomery, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Shoulder
(251) 626-2199
7400 Roper Lane
Daphne, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
The Right Turn Inc
(334) 224-1515
305 South Perry Street
Montgomery, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Montgomery Metro Treatment Center
(334) 288-5363
4303 Norman Bridge Road
Montgomery, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc
(256) 234-4894
36 Franklin Street
Alexander City, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

Data Provided by:
Jefferson County Committee for Econ
(205) 787-3040
228 2nd Avenue North
Birmingham, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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...

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