How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Valley AL

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.

Bradford Health Services
(334) 749-3445
2210 Gateway Drive
Opelika, AL
Hotline
(334) 749-3445
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
SpectraCare
(334) 794-3771
831 John D Odom Road
Dothan, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)

Data Provided by:
Bradford Health Services
(256) 760-0200
1626 Florence Boulevard
Florence, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc
(256) 234-4894
36 Franklin Street
Alexander City, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Men

Data Provided by:
Lighthouse Counseling Center Inc
(334) 286-5980x222
1415 East South Boulevard
Montgomery, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Pregnant/postpartum women

Data Provided by:
Pathways Center
(706) 845-4054
124 Gordon Commerical Drive
LaGrange, GA
Hotline
(888) 247-9048
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Bradford Health Services
(800) 873-2887
386 Saint Lukes Drive
Montgomery, AL
Hotline
(334) 244-0702
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Family Life Center
(256) 574-3448
211 South Market Street
Scottsboro, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient

Data Provided by:
Bridge Inc
(251) 338-1780
722 Downtowner Loop West
Mobile, AL
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

Data Provided by:
Bradford Health Services
(800) 879-7272
1600 Browns Ferry Road
Madison, AL
Hotline
(800) 879-7272
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents

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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