How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Harper Woods MI

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.

Eastwood Clinics
(586) 445-2210
20811 Kelly Road
Eastpointe, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Eastwood Clinics
(313) 923-6830
11542 Conner Street
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

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A Few Steps
(313) 521-7877
14219 Flanders Street
Detroit, MI
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, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Positive Images
(313) 822-6940x117
13336-40 East Warren
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Criminal justice clients

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Northeast Guidance Center
(313) 824-8000
12800 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Men

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Sacred Heart
(313) 245-4357
17131 Gitre Street
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women

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Downriver Mental Health Clinic
(586) 777-9000
24715 Littlemack Street
Saint Clair Shores, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Italian

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Catholic Social Services of
(313) 821-2590
15200 East Jefferson Avenue
Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Seniors/older adults, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Family Service Inc
(313) 821-0469
14200 Kerchval
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Healing Place of Detroit
(313) 923-1449
5555 Conner Street
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
Polish

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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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