How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Fountain CO

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.

Rock Bottom Recovery
(719) 382-5778
6910 Bandley Drive
Fountain, CO
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

Data Provided by:
Cedar Springs Behavioral Health System
(719) 633-4114x5337
2135 Southgate Road
Colorado Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Genesis
(719) 632-3510
2565 Airport Road
Colorado Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Ayuda
(719) 459-6710
2565 Airport Road
Colorado Springs, CO
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
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Gregory M Ortega LCSW LAC
(719) 633-4764
2804 Janitell Road
Colorado Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Bridge to Awareness Counseling Ctr Inc
(719) 390-4652
5698 South Highways 85 and 87
Colorado Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Laura T Fetters LPC CAC III
(719) 636-9126
2804 Janitell Road
Colorado Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Pikes Peak Mental Health Center
(719) 572-6340
115 South Parkside
Colorado Springs, CO
Hotline
(719) 635-7000
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Health Challenge
(719) 632-8654
1715 Monterey Road
Colorado Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Bridge to Awareness Counseling Ctr Inc
(719) 471-2514
129 W Costilla Street
Colorado Springs, CO
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
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
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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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