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Domestic violence and substance abuse disorder are significant public health concerns. Roughly 10% of the U.S. adult population struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, while three women per day in America are murdered by their intimate partner. On average, one in four women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. One in six men will suffer the same.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, 85% of all reports of domestic violence have female victims. Studies indicate that spousal abuse is a significant risk factor for developing substance use disorder (SUD), while SUD is also a predictive factor in domestic violence incidents. The following article will explore the rates of domestic violence and addiction and how the two are intimately connected in a deadly tango.
What are the rates of domestic violence coupled with substance abuse disorder?
Substance abuse occurs in 40% to 60% of all reported domestic violence incidents. Research indicates that drug or alcohol abuse is a facilitative factor in domestic violence situations and that substance abuse either precipitates or exacerbates existing domestic violence issues.
Research also suggests that men who have a history of abusing their partners benefit from drug abuse and addiction interventions. 20% of all admitted male perpetrators of abuse report using drugs or alcohol before committing severe violent acts.
Other studies have found that on days of heavy drug or alcohol use, physical violence is 11 times more likely to happen among perpetrators of abuse and their victims.
Across multiple studies, excessive alcohol use is the most strongly connected to intimate partner violence. However, studies are inconclusive when explaining why this happens. It is unclear whether heavy drinking causes people to become violent, or heavy drinking is used to excuse the already extremely violent behavior. Among those who enter psychiatric facilities and drug rehab facilities, substance abuse is frequently observed in domestic violence cases.
When someone abuses drugs, the risk/reward part of their brain chemistry is altered, and they will do anything to seek out the substance, regardless of future consequences. People who are addicted can start to exhibit irrational, controlling, or physically violent behavior toward loved ones. Also, addiction and domestic violence share similar characteristics:
- Denial
- Blame shifting
- Loss of control
- Engaging in riskier behavior if left untreated
- Continuing to engage in harmful behavior patterns despite the consequences.
If both the victim and perpetrator of violence have a substance abuse disorder, it can be incredibly difficult for the victim to realize how much danger they are in. Victims who are also suffering from SUD can have an impossible time defending themselves or knowing when and how to call for help.
What are the effects of domestic violence when mixed with substance abuse?
When the victim is not addicted to drugs or alcohol, experiencing abuse can make it incredibly difficult for them to seek help. Often, perpetrators will gaslight the victim, making them doubt their judgment. If the victim also has a drug addiction, then it is even more difficult for them to realize that they are in danger and need assistance. Left untreated, the consequences can be deadly.
Also, victims of domestic violence will often develop severe mental health issues as a result of the abuse. PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression are the most common. Victims will sometimes turn to substances to cope with these issues as a way to self-medicate their emotional pain.
Is someone who is a victim of domestic violence at risk for developing SUD?
Yes. Spousal and intimate partner abuse is a significant predictor of developing a drug or alcohol addiction. Reports indicate that women in abusive relationships are often coerced into buying and using drugs or alcohol by an abusive partner. Women who’ve experienced domestic violence are more likely to have a substance abuse disorder than women who’ve never experienced domestic violence or assault. Abused pregnant women are also likely to use multiple substances before pregnancy and during pregnancy, according to a prenatal study from the American Journal of Public Health.
Who is most at-risk for domestic violence and drug abuse?
- Women are 5 to 8 times more likely than a man to be abused by an intimate partner.
- 75% of all domestic violence perpetrators are men
- In same-sex relationships, men are 40% likely to experience domestic violence within their lifetime.
- Studies indicate that 22% of men in same-sex relationships report physical abuse from an intimate partner within the last five years.
- Native American women are the most likely to experience domestic violence in their lifetime, at 50%.
Also, comorbidity rates between victims of domestic violence, mental health issues, and SUD are significant. More than half of all female victims of domestic violence will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Victims are also at high-risk of using tobacco products and marijuana. There is also a significant correlation between domestic violence and disturbed eating behaviors. Victims are most at-risk for binge eating disorders. Also, domestic violence victims are 70% more likely to binge drink than people who’ve never been abused.
How is SUD and intimate partner violence addressed and treated?
For perpetrators with SUD, it’s imperative that substance abuse is addressed and treated. Because drug and alcohol abuse is so strongly linked to violent behavior, perpetrators need to overcome their addiction. Overcoming addiction is the most effective way to stop the abuse cycle.
For victims, they will need to enter rehabilitation and participate in therapy sessions that are geared toward addressing and intervening in domestic violence situations. Overall, getting treatment for substance abuse disorder is the most effective way to stop the cycle of abuse for both victims and perpetrators.
If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, there are free, 24-hour hotlines you can call. Experienced victim advocates are always available to help guide you toward safety. Also, many drug and rehab centers can help victims of violence and assault overcome substance abuse disorder. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a qualified counselor for treatment.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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