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 report feeling isolated, fearful, depressed, anxious, and angry and have difficulty trusting others. Meyer (1993) reports that the victimization of gay males in our society results in mental health consequences for individuals. A skilled substance abuse treatment counselor should be attentive to the negative effects that prejudice produces when working with LGBT clients.