How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Perkasie 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.

Penn Foundation Inc
(215) 257-9999
807 Lawn Avenue
Sellersville, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
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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Rehab After Work
(215) 348-1720
Route 202 and Mechanicsville Road
Doylestown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Healthy Responses in a
(610) 847-2958
1885 Mountain View Drive
Quakertown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Livengrin Counseling Center
(215) 340-1765
350 South Main Street
Doylestown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Northwestern Human Services of
(215) 368-2022
400 North Broad Street
Lansdale, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Community Service Foundation Inc
(215) 348-8881
253 North Main Street
Sellersville, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Partial hospitalization/day treatment

Data Provided by:
Aldie Counseling Center
(215) 345-8530x110
228 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Halfway house, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women

Data Provided by:
Childrens Aid Society
(215) 362-8422
2506 N Broad Street
Colmar, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Family Service Assoc of Bucks County
(215) 345-0550
708 North Shady Retreat Road
Doylestown, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
Russian, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Community Service Foundation Inc
(215) 348-8881
801 West 2nd Street
Lansdale, PA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Partial hospitalization/day treatment

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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