How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Okemos 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.

Total Healthcare of Michigan PC
(517) 332-0440
2900 Hannah Boulevard
East Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Meridian
(517) 332-0811
5031 Park Lake Road
East Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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Serendipity Group
(517) 332-9580
1151 East Michigan Street
East Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

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Insight Recovery Center
(517) 371-4971
2929 Covington Court
Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Life Journeys
(517) 485-1877
1311 South Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients

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Insight Recovery Center
(517) 371-4971
4970 Northwind Drive
East Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Lansing Psychological Associates PC
(517) 337-6545
234 Michigan Avenue
East Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Treatment Works Inc
(517) 332-9000
2722 East Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Community Mental Health of Clinton
(517) 346-8270
812 East Jolly Road
Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Seniors/older adults, Women, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
National Council on Alcoholism
(517) 887-0226
3400 South Cedar Street
Lansing, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men

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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