How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Revere MA

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.

Bay Cove Human Services
(617) 884-6829
100 Everett Avenue
Chelsea, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
North Suffolk Mental Hlth Association
(617) 569-6050
408 Meridian Street
East Boston, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Seniors/older adults, Women, Men, Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Arbor Counseling
(781) 322-1503x86
6 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Tri City Mental Health Center Inc
(781) 388-6200x6260
173 Chelsea Street
Everett, MA
Hotline
(800) 988-1111
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Seniors/older adults, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
STEP Inc
(617) 720-0153
131 Beverly Street
Boston, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Community Substance Abuse Centers
(617) 889-8779
175 Crescent Avenue
Chelsea, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
Creole, French, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Rehabilitation and Health Inc
(617) 569-2089
52 White Street
East Boston, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Eastern Middlesex Alcoholism Services
(781) 321-2600
12 Cedar Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

Data Provided by:
HRI Clinics/DBA Arbour Counseling Serv
(781) 322-1503x24
6 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
German, Spanish

Data Provided by:
CAB Health and Recovery Services Inc
(781) 598-1270x228
100 Green Street
Lynn, MA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Data Provided by:

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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