Working with Lesbian Alcoholics

Internalized Homophobia and Substance Use Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Persons

“…Another frequently cited reason for the incidence of alcohol and drug problems among lesbians and gay men is the existence of internalized homophobia (Anderson & Henderson, 1985;Cabaj, 1989;Coleman, Rosser, & Strapko, 1992;Deevey & Wall, 1993;Finnegan & McNally, 1987;Glaus, 1988;Kowszun & Malley, 1996;Kus, 1988). Weinberg (1972) defined homophobia as both the fear felt by heterosexuals when in near proximity to homosexuals, and the self-loathing felt by homosexuals because of their homosexuality.…”

“…Typically, it is suggested that decreasing internalized homophobia would positively impact on recovery from alcohol and substance problems (Anderson & Henderson, 1985;Cabaj, 1996). However, the current study found no connection between internalized homophobia and problematic substance use.…”

The prevalence and demographic predictors of illicit and licit drug use among lesbians and gay men.

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Only within the last decade have studies begun to report both drug and alcohol use among larger and more representative samples.1419 However, most of this research has excluded lesbians, employed limited drug use measures, and been conducted in large cities known for their large homosexual populations (e.g., San Francisco). Little is known about the full extent of illicit and licit drug use among gay men and lesbians living in smaller cities.…”

Lesbian Alcoholism: Development of a Construct

“…The majority of writings on homosexuality and alcohol have been reports of studies of gay men (Israelstam & Lambert, 1986) whose results have been applied to both lesbians and gay men (Anderson & Henderson, 1985). The literature often places the gay bar at &dquo;the center of community life, serving such diverse functions as church... community centers, and country clubs&dquo; (Israelstam & Lambert, 1986, p. 514).…”

“…Several writers concurred about the significance of oppression in the development of alcohol problems among lesbians (Diamond & Wilsnack 1978;Fifield, 1975;Johnson, 1989), but, as was noted previously, evidence does not seem to corroborate the importance of bars. The agencies' lack of response to the problem has been supported, however (Anderson & Henderson, 1985;Fifield et al, 1977). &dquo;Rigorous empirical research on any aspect of a drinking problem among lesbians appears to be nonexistent,&dquo; Anderson and Henderson (1985, p. 518) noted. Estimates of incidence, they pointed out, come from two or three studies (presumably including Diamond & Wilsnack, 1978;Fifield, 1975;Lewis et al, 1982), all of which had major methodological problems, to say nothing of the definitional issues raised within the context of social constructionism.…”