Sadly, domestic violence and substance abuse are intertwined in the lives of many in various ways. Domestic violence—also known as intimate partner violence—is probably best described as abuse between intimates. It occurs within currently romantic or previously romantic partnerships. For example, although domestic violence laws may vary, it is commonly regarded as violence within a couple’s relationship. This may involve a dating couple, a couple that lives together, a married couple, in a dating relationship or between people that share a child.
Violence Is Not the Only Form of Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence legal offenses typically fall into assault categories between people related as described above. Some areas have extended the legal definition of domestic violence to include violence against any family member. However, the courts are not typically concerned with other non-physical dynamics of abuse that commonly occur in domestic violence situations.
There are many more aspects that are primarily psychological in nature and that can also be profoundly damaging. These are power and control issues involving emotional, mental, financial and other forms of control and coercion. For example, some victims of domestic violence are made to be isolated from any social or family support, have no financial resources, to feel responsible for their own abuse and to be too ashamed or too fearful to seek help.
The Overall Picture of Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
The depth of domestic violence related problems alone is vast. Separately, substance related problems are also extensive. In the US, for example, the costs of domestic violence and of substance problems are exorbitant–not only in dollar amounts, but in human costs. However, dollar figures dramatically indicate the severity of these situations. For example, victims of domestic violence lose almost 8 million dollars in paid work days per year. This amounts to the loss of 32,000 full-time jobs. Other domestic violence related costs in the US include almost 2 billion dollars of medical and healthcare costs annually.
Similarly, the extent of damage done by substance abuse every year is also dramatic. For instance, it is estimated that in the US and annually, substance related costs total almost 300 billion dollars. These costs include lost work productivity, healthcare, and crime related expenses among others. When combined in someone’s life, domestic violence and substance abuse have profound effects personally and in their communities.
Of course, economics do not speak to the human costs of these problems for those who are addicted, who are victimized, or who victimize others. Additionally, children with parents who struggle with domestic violence and/or substance abuse, suffer in their immediate circumstances and often for many years to come. For example, children who witness parental violence are significantly more at risk for later problems in life than children who do not. This is but one indication of the intimate relationship between domestic violence and substance abuse.
Some of the other significant relationships between domestic violence and substance abuse include:
- Overall, two-thirds of all domestic violence victims report their abusers were using alcohol during their assaults. Among those assaulted by a spouse, the statistics are higher. Three-fourths of those victims report alcohol was involved in their assaults.
- Victims of domestic violence have a significant vulnerability to substance problems following an incident and research suggests that victims are 2x more likely to have drug and alcohol problems than those who have not experienced abuse.
- Among those with substance abuse problems approximately 50% have experienced domestic violence. On the other hand, among those with domestic violence experiences, approximately 50% have substance problems.
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Self-Medication–Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
There are varying theories about the causes, dynamics and after-effects of both intimate interpersonal violence and substance problems. People very often do not understand the complexities of either. For example, many ask why does domestic violence occur and why don’t victims just leave? These are not dissimilar to questions often asked about substance problems such as why do people become addicted and why don’t they just stop using?
Although the answers are complex and vary among individuals, there are common issues involved that are very difficult to manage on a personal level. A vicious cycle easily settles in when both these issues are in play. And, it becomes very difficult to break out of these cycles as patterns become entrenched over time.
Cycles include mental health symptoms which can occur in a persisting array, resulting in severe impairment in motivation, cognitive processes, emotional regulation, energy and overall coping. Both domestic violence and substance problems cause overwhelming stress and frequent crisis that substance use can self-medicate and relieve temporarily. Sadly, however, self-medication doesn’t provide any lasting relief and inevitably begin to worsen both the domestic violence situation and the substance problem.
Some common symptoms experienced in these situations that lead to self-medicated are:
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Fear
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Low energy
- Difficulty making decisions
- A sense of helplessness and hopelessness
- Irritation, resentment, anger, agitation
- Loss and grief
- Trauma symptoms
Trauma Issues, Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
Trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse are often linked in several ways. People are vulnerable to trauma reactions and substance use who are, for example, abused by a currently intimate partner or a former partner. The stress of such situations is intense and often chronic. It can lead to clinically significant trauma reactions and PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder). The same is true for those who witness domestic violence between others, such as children living with parental violence. Finally, substance abuse is often a problem for those who are aggressive with an intimate.
Domestic violence and substance abuse are also often tied to a history of trauma in early life such as physical and sexual abuse or witnessing parental violence. For instance, substances are used by some to self-medicate distressful thoughts and memories, as well as flashbacks, fear, guilt and shame that traumatized children and teens may experience.
Overall, in families in which domestic violence occurs, each family member is at risk for developing trauma symptoms and many likely to have been previously traumatized. Consequently, they are also vulnerable to substance abuse in the immediate situation and later in life. For example, research shows that children and teens exposed to traumatic events are more likely to develop substance abuse problems later in life.
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Treatment for Domestic Violence and Addiction
Treatment for women suffering from domestic violence and addiction is best served at a rehab for women exclusively. In some cases men may be victims of domestic violence, or even feel guilty about their history of domestic violence. These issues can lead to addiction and need to be addressed. These situations are best to be handled in a rehab for men setting.
There are many treatment options for people who have experienced some combined form of domestic violence and substance abuse. Often times the best form of treatment is dual diagnosis rehab. This allows the person to be assessed for any mental health problems that could of been caused from the domestic abuse. Understanding these concepts can better prepare the victim of domestic violence for a life without drugs and alcohol as a coping tool. These issues can be resolved with the proper treatment approach.
Specialized treatment programs can address trauma issues, impulse control problems, mood and behavior management problems, and substance problems simultaneously. These programs are known as dual diagnosis programs that treat both substance issues and co-occurring mental health issues at the same time. When two significant issues co-occur, best medical practices involve simultaneous treatment of both.
If you or a loved one are struggling with such issues, there is help available. Working with specialists trained in these issues is the solution. And, remember, not all treatment programs are alike. You will want to discuss the issues openly with a trained professional to find what help is needed and where you or your loved one can receive the best care.