How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Selah WA

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.

Community Resource Group/Yakima
(509) 965-5310
108 South 4th Avenue
Yakima, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Central WA Comprensive Mental Health
(509) 454-2900
505 South 4th Avenue
Yakima, WA
Hotline
(509) 575-4200
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Center for Addictions Recovery
(509) 965-3115
1015 South 40th Avenue
Yakima, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Pathways Adult Residental Treatment
(509) 453-4274
307 West Walnut
Yakima, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Central Washington Comprehensive MH
(509) 575-4084
402 South 4th Avenue
Yakima, WA
Hotline
(800) 572-8122
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
DeLozier Recovery Services
(509) 469-5515
3907 Creekside Loop
Yakima, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Riel House
(509) 575-4810
613 Superior Lane
Yakima, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Residential beds for clients' children

Data Provided by:
Dependency Health Servs Yakima Outpt
(509) 248-1200
402 South 4th Avenue
Yakima, WA
Hotline
(509) 575-4200
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Casa de Esperanza
(509) 453-9387
602 Nob Hill
Yakima, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Casa de Esperanza
(509) 453-9387
402 North 4th Street
Yakima, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse treatment
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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...

Click here to read the rest of this article from Sober Recovery


Featured Facilities