How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Penfield NY

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.

Unity Chemical Dependency
(585) 272-8330x224
2000 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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East House Corp
(585) 288-3310
50 Browncroft Boulevard
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Halfway house

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Conifer Counseling Services
(585) 442-8422
1150 University Avenue
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Gays and Lesbians, Women, Men

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Main Quest Treatment Center
(585) 464-8870
184 Alexander Street
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Men

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John L Norris
(585) 461-0410
1732 South Avenue
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Westfall Associates
(585) 473-1500
919 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men

Data Provided by:
East House Corp
(585) 232-1590
269 Alexander Street
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Halfway house

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Main Quest Trt Ctr/DePaul Addict Servs
(585) 464-8870x464
380 Barrington Street
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Women

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Veterans Outpatient Clinic
(585) 463-2600
465 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
YWCA of Rochester/Monroe County
(585) 368-2225
175 North Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY
Services Provided
Halfway house

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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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