How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Harrison Township 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.

Clinton Counseling Center
(586) 468-2266
2 Crocker Boulevard
Mount Clemens, 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, Spanish

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Macomb Family Services Inc
(586) 226-3440
36975 Utica Road
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Polish, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Eastwood Clinics
(586) 792-5335
35455 Garfield Road
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Henry Ford Behavioral Health Services
(586) 226-7007
42633 Garfield Road
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Northpoint Pioneer Inc
(586) 263-1234
43900 Garfield Road
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Bio Medical Behavioral Healthcare Inc
(586) 783-4802
22900 East Remick Street
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
German, Polish

Data Provided by:
The Salvation Army
(586) 954-1838
42590 Stepnitz Drive
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Catholic Services of MaComb
(586) 416-2300
15945 Canal Street
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Center for Counseling
(586) 716-0980
32743 23 Mile Road
New Baltimore, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Interventions
(586) 792-0710
35500 Groesbeck Highway
Clinton Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
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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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