The Link Between Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
Two serious issues experienced by people on a daily basis have a strong correlation. Domestic abuse, also referred to as "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", is a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to exert power and control over an intimate partner (Source). This controlling, abusive behavior comes in many forms. It may be physical, psychological, emotional, intimidation, sexual, and/or coercion to use substances. Substance abuse is a term used to describe pattern use of a substance that causes significant problems and distress (Source). There is a definite link between the two.
There are many possible documented adverse effects of domestic violence on the victim. These effects can be depression, PTSD, injuries, chronic pain and substance abuse to name just a few (Source). How is substance abuse linked though? The first reason I could think of is escape. Yes, according to my research one possible way is that the victim of the abuse is seeking relief. People who experience this kind of ongoing torment are under a huge amount of stress. The victim may be reaching for a way to deal with what has happened or a way to numb the pain of the situation. Using a substance as a means of escape can lead to a substance abuse issue.
However, a seemingly more common way that substance abuse can be linked to domestic violence is that the partner who is trying to control the victim encourages substance use. This person may coerce the victim into using a substance. This is all part of a larger plan. Victims are talked into using substances by an abusive partner who then ruins any effort of recovery and threatens to turn them in to authorities for substance abuse (Source). Intimidation and threats such as these are used to control the victim. The thought of being turned in for using illegal substances can scare the victim because they fear that they will lose custody of their children. Victims may feel frightened by other possible legal consequences. The victim now feels stuck in the abusive situation because they are anxious about seeking help. They may also worry about withdrawal and not being able to get a hold of the substance being used if addiction has begun. The abusive partner might be the supplier of the substance, another attempt at control. Now the abuser is ‘needed’ because they provide the addictive substance. Consequently, the abuser could be providing the substance to make the victim easier to control.
Take a look at these alarming statistics:
Statistics from the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
In a study of men and women entering substance abuse treatment, 47% of the women reported having experienced victimization by an intimate partner at some point in their lives (Schneider & Burnette, 2009).
Another study of women accessing substance abuse treatment services found that approximately 67% reported experiencing physical intimate partner violence in the past 6 months (Downs, 2001).
At the same time, many studies have found that women who have been abused by an intimate partner are more likely to use or become dependent on substances, as compared to women who have not experienced IPV (Anderson, 2002; Bonomi et al., 2006; Eby, 2004; Lipsky, Caetano, Field, & Larkin, 2005; Smith, Homish, Leonard, & Cornelius, 2012).
But that’s not all
In addition to the former two ways substance abuse can show up with domestic violence, there is also the possibility that the abuser has a substance abuse issue. People who are violent with their partner and use drugs or alcohol may use their substance issue as an excuse. They might say they drank too much and forgot their strength or the victim pushed them too far when they were high etc. The bottom line however is that there is no excuse for violent behavior.
Both domestic violence and substance abuse are serious issues. Here are some warning signs to look out for (Source):
Manipulation
Claiming the abuse will stop once the abuser gets sober
Controlling a partner’s ability to get counseling, talk to others or seek treatment
Making excuses for abuse due to substance use
Signs of bruising, scars
Coercing a partner into using drugs or alcohol
Threats
Blaming violence or substance use on the victim
Increased aggression and psychological torment when under the influence of substances, or directly after use
The victim using substances to cope with abuse
Fearing one’s safety when an abusive partner is using substances
Help and healing
SAMHSA recommends that treatment providers look into the issues of both domestic violence and substance abuse for each client to offer the appropriate treatment programs in the case of dual occurrence. Some ideas to include with a substance abuse program are individual therapy, group therapy, family or couples therapy, peer-led domestic violence groups, anger management classes, trauma-informed therapy, dual diagnosis treatment and relapse prevention measures to offer ongoing support (Source).
Many places offer 24-hour support, such as Mutual Ground. To speak with someone anytime, day or night, call: 630-897-0080 or 630-897-8383. Do not hesitate to make a call to learn more about how you can be supported.
Years ago, a friend of mine disclosed ongoing abuse at home which happened to be paired with substance abuse. I remembered Mutual Ground from a presentation I had seen when I was a teacher in a middle school. I encouraged her to make that phone call with me while we were at her place of work. It was scary for her to take that first step. The person who answered the phone at Mutual Ground was very reassuring and non-judgmental. She was ready to listen and provided some first steps information to get my friend started on her path to healing. Over 5 years later this friend is out of her abusive situation, living the life she had dreamed of during the darker times. Healing and hope await.
Written by
Julie Hasselberg
Prevention Educator at Mutual Ground