How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Hartselle 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.

Mental Health Ctr of North Central AL
(256) 353-9116
4110 U.S. Highway 31 South
Decatur, AL
Hotline
(256) 355-6091
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Lighthouse Inc
(256) 739-2777
925 Convent Road NE
Cullman, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

Data Provided by:
Cullman County Treatment Center
(256) 739-5595
1912 Commerce Street NW
Cullman, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women

Data Provided by:
Calhoun Treatment Center Inc
(256) 831-4601
118 East Choccolocco Street
Oxford, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women

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

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Bradford Health Services
(800) 879-7272
1600 Browns Ferry Road
Madison, AL
Hotline
(800) 879-7272
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Bridge Inc
(256) 775-8301
402 Arnold Street NE
Cullman, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Tri County Treatment Center
(205) 836-3345
1101 East Park Drive
Birmingham, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Rapha Christian Home
(256) 538-7458
677 West Covington Avenue
Attalla, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men, Criminal justice clients

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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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