How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Lansdowne PA

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.

Harwood House
(610) 853-3440
9200 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)

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Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia
(215) 748-9188
501 South 54th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Hotline
(215) 748-9525
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Changing Times Center
(610) 534-3636
9 South 69th Street
Upper Darby, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

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Riverside Care Inc
(215) 747-6480
5501 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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Kirkbride Center
(215) 471-2600
111 North 49th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, 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, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

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My Sisters Place
(215) 727-1640
5601 Kingsessing Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
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
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Mercy Hospital Of Philadelphia Outpati
(215) 748-9634
501 South 54 Street
Philadelphia, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Men

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Southwest NU Stop
(215) 729-2014
5616 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Hotline
(215) 998-3326
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Family and Community Service of
(610) 626-5800
37 North Glenwood Avenue
Clifton Heights, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Gaudenzia Inc
(215) 477-0063
702 North 63rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Services Provided
Halfway house
Special Programs/Groups
Men

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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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