Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

Drug and alcohol addiction creeps in very slowly into your loved one’s life without you even knowing. And when you do, the substance have already gripped the life of your partner or spouse in ways that you may not be able to easily comprehend at first. Yes, addiction can be that insidious.

Left unchecked, the signs and symptoms of addiction, whether to drugs or alcohol, can have many significant, devastating, and even fatal effects to your partner. As for you and your family, life will never be the same.

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Substance abuse can cause huge physical and mental harm to the addict. In turn, it causes a ripple effect that causes bigger problems to the family and to society as a whole. One of these big problems is domestic violence.

Defining domestic violence

Domestic violence occurs when there is intentional physical, emotional, mental or sexual harm inflicted on a member of a household by another. It can occur between partners, spouses, parents and children, and even between siblings.

Domestic violence can be a single occurrence, but more more often, it happens repeatedly over a period of time.

The link: Domestic violence and substance addiction

Before we establish the link between domestic violence and substance abuse, it is important to know that substance abuse is not the only factor that leads to domestic violence. Often, the two are linked because there are, after all, underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. On top of this, there could also be other domestic problems such as financial or relationship trouble.

Telltale signs of domestic violence

Here are the red flags to watch out for in cases when domestic violence occurs along with substance abuse.

1. using or drinking more often that usual, typically at certain times of the day
2. the member of the household gets restless, anxious, agitated, or ill-tempered when they don’t have access to the drug or alcohol, or when the supply runs low
3. they use drugs or alcohol to cope with problems, whether personal or in the family
4. getting into trouble and exhibiting violence which causes problems with the law or with authorities

The victims

When the drug user or alcoholic is the one who is the victim of domestic violence, it is easy for people to cast the blame on the victims themselves. People would believe that the victims have brought it upon themselves because of their habits, and that they don’t deserve the same help as those who are also dealing with domestic violence but are not abusing drugs or alcohol.

It is important for these people to find treatment that will help them turn their backs from their addiction but also to cope with past abuse and trauma.

The same goes with those perpetrators of domestic violence who are also abusing drugs. They may also be victims of abuse or past trauma themselves. Often, these abusers may feel shame and embarrassment that prevents them from facing their past. However, this is necessary in their treatment, and a facility that provides a supportive environment is important in spurring them to change and to sobriety.

Are you a victim of domestic violence from a loved one who is under the influence of drugs and alcohol? Seek help for yourself and for your family member. Call or text us at our confidential helpline at 09175098826.