How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Montebello CA

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.

Atlantic Recovery Services/MUSD
(562) 436-3533
1220 West Whittier Boulevard
Montebello, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
Spanish

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Tavarua Health Services
(562) 695-0737
8207 Whittier Boulevard
Pico Rivera, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish, Vietnamese

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Bienvenidos Children''s Center Inc
(323) 268-9191x240
507 South Atlantic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
Spanish

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Narcotics Prevention Project/Methadone
(323) 263-9700
942 South Atlantic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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Latino Family Alcohol and
(323) 722-4529
5801 East Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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CA Diversion Intervention Foundation
(714) 633-0502
819 West Whittier Boulevard
Montebello, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

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Eastside Health Services
(562) 222-1331
5200 San Gabriel Place
Pico Rivera, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Behavioral Health Services
(323) 269-4890
4065 East Whittier Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Mela Counseling Services Center Inc
(323) 728-0100
5723 Whittier Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Plaza Community Center
(323) 888-2530
5255 Pomona Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
Spanish

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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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