How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Kihei HI

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.

Malama Na Makua A Keiki
(808) 877-7117
388 Ano Street
Kahului, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Queens Medical Center
(808) 547-4352
1374 Nuuanu Avenue
Honolulu, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Department of Veterans Affairs
(808) 433-0660
459 Patterson Road
Honolulu, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Habilitat Inc
(808) 235-3691
45-035 Kuhonu Place
Kaneohe, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

Data Provided by:
New Horizons Counseling Program
(808) 484-1000
98-211 Pali Momi Street
Aiea, HI
Hotline
(808) 484-1000
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, French, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Aloha House Inc
(808) 579-9584
4593 Ike Drive
Makawao, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Ohana Makamae Inc
(808) 248-8538
39 Keanini Street
Hana, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Pregnant/postpartum women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
German, Hawaiian, Spanish

Data Provided by:
State of Hawaii Judiciary
(808) 599-3700
850 Richards Street
Honolulu, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, French, Ilocano, Japanese, Malay, Tagalog

Data Provided by:
Hina Mauka/Teen Care
(808) 453-6035
2100 Hookiekie Street
Pearl City, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Big Island Substance Abuse Council
(808) 969-9994
32-2065 Old Manalahoa Highway
Laupahoehoe, HI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Gays and Lesbians

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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