How Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Exacerbate Each Other
Substance abuse and domestic violence often go hand in hand, worsening the impact of each other. People who consume too many drugs or alcohol are more likely to get involved in violent interactions, including with other members of their family. In this guide, we will explore the connection between these two destructive behaviors and consider the steps one can take to break the vicious cycle of abuse. There are several important signs that can help one to recognize the severity of their situation and take the first step toward becoming free of any dependence and staying safe from perpetrators of abusive behavior.
What are Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence?
Both phenomena have a disastrous impact on a person’s mental state and well-being. Abusive relationships occur between members of one family. Substance abuse involves excessive use of drugs for purposes they aren’t prescribed to be used. It may destroy a person’s relationships with their loved ones, impact their career, and lead to negative health outcomes.
Domestic violence may involve the following forms of abuse:
- Physical. One individual may intentionally hit or kick another person, trying to harm them.
- Emotional. Some people try to control and manipulate others. They may yell at them, call them names, or humiliate them.
- Sexual. It includes all types of non-consensual sexual acts.
- Financial. Withholding money to use it to control another person’s behavior.
Even if a victim manages to get free from the oppressor, they may be stalked and contacted again. Abusive behaviors are challenging to change. Many people find it impossible to leave such relationships. Due to years of oppression, they are often unable to live independently. As a result, they suffer from physical injuries and have many health issues. Victims also often suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental conditions. They become more susceptible to substance use disorder (SUD).
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the types of abuse that occurs between spouses or former partners, regardless of their sexual orientation. According to the stats, in most cases, women are the victims of IPV. However, 15% of men also became victims of physical violence.
If a couple has children, they may also be affected by IPV. Many children, especially those who live in impoverished families, suffer from neglect or experience abuse. Those who witness the aggressive behavior of their parents toward each other are also likely to be affected by this experience. Substance use and domestic violence may have lasting consequences on their mental well-being and make it more challenging for them to build healthy relationships with others when they become adults.
There is a strong connection between addiction and domestic violence. People who have suffered from the aggressive behaviors of their relatives are more likely to use a lot of stimulants. 25%-50% of those who behave violently toward their family members suffer from SUD.
Take back control of your life and start on the road to recovery now.
Main Signs of Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence
People suffering from an abusive relationship often have a history of lifelong abuse, starting in their childhood. This is why they may fail to perceive their relationships as unhealthy. Even if they understand that they suffer from the actions of another person, they may come up with excuses and find a plausible explanation for violent behaviors, seeking to normalize them. Here are some warning signs you should be aware of:
- Lack of respect towards your privacy;
- Infidelity accusations;
- Another person’s full control over your finances and other aspects of your life;
- Attempts to embarrass you in front of others;
- Physical violence and threats;
- Sexual violence.
Domestic abuse perpetrators often accuse their victims of forcing them to behave badly towards them. They might also try to destroy a person’s valuable possessions to make them feel even less in control. Recognizing these signs can help one to take back control over their life or to stop behaving aggressively towards others.
When a person fails to break the circles, they are often tempted to start using substances to deal with stress. However, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs make it impossible for some people to keep their emotions in check. Besides, one should stay aware of the following signs of drug misuse:
- Slurred speech and drowsiness;
- Problems with coordination;
- Inability to remember something clearly;
- Involuntary eye movements;
- Cognitive issues;
- Secretiveness and mistrust towards others.
When people take too many drugs, their brain starts having difficulties trying to control their anxiety. They become more irritable and react aggressively to criticism. Trying to deal with depression, many individuals resort to self-medication and other destructive strategies. An ability to detect abusive behaviors can help one develop healthy coping mechanisms.
How to Deal With a Domestic Abuse Situation
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you need to prepare your escape plan carefully. Plan everything thoroughly and, if it’s possible, discuss your problem with professionals who specialize in assisting the victims. Follow such guidelines to prepare yourself to leave the abuser:
- If you have any evidence, including videos, photos, or medical records, store it safely and take it with you when you finally decide to leave.
- Find a secure place to stay. The abuser should not know about it.
- Prepare a bag with essential clothes and other things you may need, including money, ID, and legal documents.
- If you have children, prepare to take care of them on your own.
- Leave home when your abuser is away or sleeping.
- Get assistance from professional attorneys, law enforcement officers, and organizations helping victims of domestic violence.
After breaking free and taking care of legal formalities, you will need to find a support system and stay in a safe place. You don’t need to face the consequences of addiction and violent crime alone. Find people who have dealt with the same problem before, as they are the ones who can give you valuable advice. Seek professional assistance to start living independently. Enroll in special programs that will help you build up valuable career skills and improve your financial situation.
Becoming Free of Drug Addiction
Even though it’s impossible to cure SUD completely, you can use time-tested addiction treatment options to refrain from using drugs. Schedule an appointment with a doctor and enroll in individual or group therapy to find support. Family therapy might be invaluable for those who suffer from domestic abuse. During therapy sessions, you will understand your motivation better and discover how to deal with triggers without relapsing.
It’s better to follow a holistic strategy and combine several approaches to achieve sustainable progress. Inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs have demonstrated their high efficiency. It’s also important to complete the detox and rehab stages to learn how to live without drugs and alcohol. One should learn how to deal with different drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms to learn how to cope with cravings on their own. Medicine recommended by a healthcare provider can help you deal with some unpleasant signs of withdrawal.
This can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to go it alone. Let us be your guide and provide you the environment needed to regain control of your life and begin the path to recovery.
Regaining Control over Your Life
Understanding the connection between substance abuse and domestic violence should help you discover how to remove yourself from unpleasant situations that cause extreme distress. You need to get the assistance of medical professionals, attend support groups, and use counselling sessions to avoid relapses. Behavioral therapy will help you learn how to avoid substances and discover how to deal with pressure.
Eco Sober offers a secure and clean environment for those who have already gone through the detox stage and completed inpatient treatment programs. We have created a safe haven for those who want to recuperate and start living independently, free of drugs and alcohol. Our clients are expected to do household chores together, keep their environment clean, pay rent, and participate in group meetings. Living in a predictable environment helps them to deal with the consequences of substance abuse and domestic violence and discover their inner motivation to become self-reliant. Get in touch with our managers and discover how our facilities can benefit you, and get your life back on track.
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