How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Sebastian FL

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.

Breakthrough Recovery Services Inc
(772) 581-0610
1623 U.S. Highway 1
Sebastian, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Hanley Hall
(772) 778-9896
3395 11th Court
Vero Beach, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient

Data Provided by:
New Horizons of the Treasure Coast Inc
(772) 778-7217
777 37th Street
Vero Beach, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Center for Drug Free Living Inc
(321) 726-2889
4670 Lipscomb Street
Palm Bay, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Harbor City Counseling Center
(321) 722-5022
129 West Hibiscus Boulevard
Melbourne, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Mental Health Association/Indian River
(772) 569-9788
777 37th Street
Vero Beach, FL
Hotline
(772) 562-2000
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Breakthrough Recovery Services Inc
(772) 978-9331
1717 20th Street
Vero Beach, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Central Florida Treatment Center
(321) 951-9750
2198 Harris Avenue
Palm Bay, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Circles of Care Inc
(321) 722-5200
400 East Sheridan Road
Melbourne, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
ACT Center Inc
(800) 316-7610
1900 South Harbor City Boulevard
Melbourne, FL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

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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