How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Three Rivers MI

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 Healing Centers
(269) 279-5187
1020 Millard Street
Three Rivers, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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Community Healing Centers
(269) 651-1212
70050 M-66
Sturgis, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Grace Center
(989) 348-2544
6459 West M-72
Grayling, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, DUI/DWI offenders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Catholic Charities of the Upper Penins
(906) 786-7212
1401 North 26th Street
Escanaba, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
West Michigan Therapy Inc
(231) 739-6840
2333 East Jarman Street
Muskegon Heights, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Cass County Community Mental Health
(269) 476-9781
17321 M-60 East
Vandalia, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Mid America Psychological Services
(269) 327-1438
8036 Moorsbridge Road
Portage, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center Inc
(313) 579-0430
5575 Conners Road
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Macomb Family Services Inc
(586) 254-5660
45445 Mound Road
Shelby Township, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Self Help Addiction Rehab (SHAR)
(313) 894-8444x205
1852 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Gays and Lesbians, Men, Criminal justice clients

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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