Does Addiction Increase One's Exposure to Domestic Violence?

There are some links between addiction and erratic behavior, including violence. Abusing drugs or alcohol can quickly lead to acts of violence against others or oneself. For that reason, individuals must be aware of the dangers of substance abuse and domestic violence. Further, individuals must educate themselves on preventing additional violence. Having access to resources and a support system becomes critical. We must also consider the influence addiction and domestic violence can have on families, children, and others involved.

It's necessary to remember that individuals behaving violently are often under the influence or have deep, psychological trauma of their own. While there's no excuse for the behavior, there's a reason or deeply rooted cause for this behavior. Individuals struggling with anger, violence, abuse, or other domestic issues should consider getting sober today. Consider treatment and call West Coast Recovery Centers today for the sake of yourself and your loved ones. 

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can look different from one situation to the next. However, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has a pretty clear definition of it. They describe it as a “pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner." Not only is this extremely unhealthy, toxic, and dysfunctional for the victim, but it can negatively influence children within the household.  

Further, drugs and alcohol often accompany violent acts within an intimate partnership or relationship. Substance use disorder (SUD) contributes to more problems, trauma, and risks to the already present issue of violence. 

Important Facts to Note

Unfortunately, it's common for situations of domestic abuse to escalate into dangerous situations. The victim's mental and physical health suffers and, as a result, they become fearful of leaving, and in many instances, may be killed. The Journal of Family Violence indicates that “intimate partners kill almost 50% of female and 10% of male victims.” Additionally, intimate partner violence (IPV) contributes to approximately 6% of suicides. 

Though young women are more likely to become victims of IPV, anyone can fall victim. In severe cases, domestic abuse can lead to sexual and physical assaults, stalking, medical injuries, and, as mentioned, death. 

Types of Domestic Violence

When we hear the term domestic abuse, we often think of violence. However, a person can abuse their partner in more ways than one, sometimes, without even laying a hand on them. The OVW provides the varying categories and examples of abuse behavior victims may experience:

Physical Abuse

Again, many think of physical abuse when considering IPV. Physical abuse may consist of hitting, slapping, or beating someone nearly to death. 

Sexual Abuse

Abuse like this may consist of coercing or “attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior without consent." That may include marital rape, forcing sex after violence has occurred, or being sexually demeaning. 

Emotional Abuse

Undermining a person's “sense of self-worth and/or self-esteem” is a form of emotional abuse. That includes name-calling, diminishing a partner's abilities, or damaging their relationship with their children. 

Economic Abuse

By controlling a person's ability to “acquire, use, or maintain economic resources,” a partner abuses them economically. That may include coercion, fraud, and unfair use of a partner's resources, sometimes leading to legal issues. 

Psychological Abuse

Intimidation, forcing isolation, or threatening to harm oneself, a partner, a child, or a friend and family member is psychological abuse. These actions cause the abuser to subject someone else to behaviors that cause psychological trauma and the potential onset of mental health conditions. 

Technological Abuse

The last form of abuse the OVW discusses is technological and includes harm, threats, harassment, exploitation, impersonation, or monitoring of another person through technological channels. 

Effects of Domestic Violence on Mental Health

Abuse is never okay, and regardless of the type, it can cause problems with one's mental health. It's not uncommon for victims to develop and struggle with depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-injuring, eating disorders, and other conditions. 

The impact of domestic abuse on mental health may vary from one person to the next. However, if left untreated, these conditions can cause further complications, making it more challenging for people to get out of these toxic situations. 

Domestic Violence and SUD

It's hard to say if addiction increases one's risk of exposure to domestic abuse. However, it can lead to an increase in aggressive behaviors and a cycle of abuse. Further, when children are involved, domestic violence creates adverse childhood experiences. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to learned behaviors, unhealthy cycles of family addiction, and, ultimately, generational trauma.  

Additionally, while many abusers struggle with addiction, it's not uncommon for the victims of domestic abuse to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. The coping mechanisms often lead to dependency. In those instances, freedom from the relationship and intense addiction treatment become absolutely crucial. 

Treatment for Addiction and Domestic Violence

If you're struggling with addiction, mental illness, and domestic violence, you're not alone. Treatment is available for individuals who are abusers and have been abused. Victims must prioritize their safety and treatment programs can help them heal, escape violence, and move forward with their lives. 

Call or visit our website to learn about our treatment programs at West Coast Recovery Centers today. 

Millions of people experience domestic violence, and though statistics indicate women are at a greater risk of falling victim, the phenomenon doesn't discriminate against anyone. Additionally, domestic violence encompasses a variety of actions and behaviors that can abuse an individual physically, sexually, emotionally, and psychologically. Substance use plays a significant role, too. It's not uncommon for abusers to struggle with addiction, but victims may also use drugs and alcohol to cope with the abuse and become dependent. In any case, safety and well-being must be the priority. Treatment programs can help victims heal, recover, and find freedom from addiction and abuse. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more and start your treatment today.