How Heterosexism Contributes to Substance Abuse Zeeland 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.

Pathways MI (formerly Child and Family
(616) 396-2301
412 Century Lane
Holland, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Holland Community Hospital
(616) 355-3926
854 South Washington Avenue
Holland, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders

Data Provided by:
Catholic Charities West Michigan
(616) 796-9595x106
6660 Blair Lane
Holland, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
SOS Counseling Services
(616) 732-8110
942 West Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
Spanish

Data Provided by:
Reality Counseling Services
(616) 475-8660
2610 Buchanan Avenue SW
Wyoming, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
Arabic, Chinese, German, Korean, Polish, Portugese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Vietnamese

Data Provided by:
Pine Rest Christian Mental Hlth Servs
(616) 820-3780
926 South Washington Street
Holland, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Men
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Ottagan Addictions Recovery Inc (OAR)
(616) 396-5284
483 Century Lane
Holland, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Women, Men, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Pine Rest Christian Mental Hlth Servs
(616) 222-3700
4211 Parkway Place
Grandville, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Pine Rest Christian Mental Hlth Servs
(616) 222-3720
550 3 Mile Road
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Wedgwood Christian Services Summit
(616) 942-2110
300 68th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Criminal justice clients
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

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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