How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Sun City West AZ

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.

Luke Air Force Base
(623) 856-7579
56 MDOS/SGOMH
Luke AFB, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

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Banner Thunderbird Behavioral Health
(602) 865-5555
5555 West Thunderbird Road
Glendale, AZ
Hotline
(602) 254-4357
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Treatment Assessment Screening Ctr Inc
(623) 842-4535
6409 West Glendale Avenue
Glendale, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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Mountain Valley and Associates Inc
(602) 870-0972
2432 West Peoria Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Criminal justice clients

Data Provided by:
Northwest Organization for
(623) 937-9203
7725 North 43rd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
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, German, Spanish, Swedish

Data Provided by:
Thunderbird Treatment Center
(602) 938-2301
13820 North 51st Avenue
Glendale, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Seniors/older adults, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women

Data Provided by:
Community Medical Services Inc
(623) 915-2106
5002 West Glendale Avenue
Glendale, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Maverick House
(623) 931-5810
7022 North 48th Avenue
Glendale, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Intensive Treatment Systems LLC
(623) 247-1234
7102 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Methadone Maintenance
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Chicanos Por La Causa Inc
(623) 247-0464
4602 West Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
Spanish

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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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