According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that domestic violence is also a leading cause of injury for women ages 15 to 44. While anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, those who struggle with addiction or mental health disorders are especially at risk.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between domestic violence and substance use, and discuss how these two issues intersect.
What Is the Connection Between Domestic Violence and Substance Use?
There is a clear connection between domestic violence and substance use. When one or both partners are addicted to drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to engage in abusive behavior towards their partner. Drug or alcohol abuse can cause people to lose control of their actions, making them more likely to act out violently or emotionally, abusing their partner to cope with their stressors or problems.
How Do These Two Issues Intersect?
The connection between domestic violence and substance use runs both ways. Not only does addiction make people more likely to engage in domestic violence, but domestic violence can also lead to substance abuse. This is because victims of domestic violence often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the trauma they’ve experienced.
What are the Effects?
The effects of domestic violence and substance use can be devastating. When partners or family members struggle with addiction, it can be difficult to break the cycle. Therefore, addiction can continuously cause people to act impulsively and make poor decisions, leading to more violence. Additionally, the trauma of domestic violence can worsen mental health disorders, making it even harder for victims to break free from the cycle of abuse.
What Can Be Done to Address It?
If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence and substance abuse, many resources are available to help. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers 24/7 support for victims of domestic violence and can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 or chat online at thehotline.org.
If you’re struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. At our dual diagnosis treatment in NJ, we customize our drug and alcohol addiction treatments for each of our clients. We can evaluate your needs and help you come up with a treatment plan that fits your recovery goals.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our treatment options.
