The Link Between Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

Few studies have examined intimate partner violence (IPV) in relationships where one or both partners are in treatment for substance use, from the perspectives of both members of a couple. This study used thematic and narrative analysis of the accounts of 14 men recruited from substance use services and 14 women who were their current or former intimate partners. The psychopharmacological effects of substance use (including intoxication, craving, and withdrawal) were rarely the only explanation offered for IPV.

Does alcohol make someone more likely to commit domestic violence?

• If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or domestic violence, don’t hesitate to seek help.
• Elizabeth Gilchrist is the college director of Research and Knowledge Exchange for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Education at the University of Worcester.
• If you or someone you love are experiencing domestic abuse, there are places you can turn to.
• To date, very few studies have tested the gender difference hypothesis using both the male and female subjects.

The social desirability and underreporting that are frequently a limitation in IPV research are thus also a feature of our analysis. The fact that we had a community rather than criminal justice sample made possible the analysis of accounts of everyday and sometimes mutual IPV perpetration that may be more characteristic of the substance using population. We have described the protocol followed in terms of disclosure and limits to confidentiality. Although we are aware that this may have limited participants’ openness, we believe our data are nonetheless rich in disclosures and conceptually illuminating. The interview guide for men sought stories of substance use and perpetration, referring to men’s reports in the screening questionnaire of having perpetrated psychological, physical, sexual, and financial abuse.

• Many people cope with the trauma of intimate partner violence (IPV) by using drugs or alcohol.19 For many survivors, this occasional coping method quickly turns into addiction—especially if you lack other coping strategies.
• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) reported that children living in a home with an addict are more likely to suffer physical, mental, or emotional abuse than those in a household where substance abuse is not present.
• We need to check our preconceived judgments before having such conversations.
• They will make victims understand that things will be different this time, and one must be available to help them.
• Dual diagnosis support programs specifically target the intertwined nature of addiction and trauma, providing tailored therapies and resources.
• It’s also difficult for someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to evaluate the danger of their situation.
• Similarly, the prevalence of SUD in IPV-EW is greater than in the general population (Schneider et al., 2009; Smith et al., 2012; Stone and Rothman, 2019).

The addict and abuser feel remorse or guilt regarding their actions, and abusers are aware that their victims may have experienced emotional, sexual, or physical damage or discomfort because of their behaviors. When a person struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol is present in the household, many of these numbers increase. In 2010, Addiction Treatment magazine reported that 80 percent or more of all cases of domestic violence are somehow connected to the use of drugs or alcohol. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reported that 61 percent of domestic violence offenders are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and often turn tension into aggression.

Children suffer too

The incidence of IPV and relationship to substance abuse is frequently observed and reported among individuals presenting at psychiatric and substance abuse treatment settings. Research has shown a clear link between drugs and alcohol and domestic violence. Around 40%-60% of reported domestic abuse situations involve alcohol or drug use. One meta-analysis found that individuals with a drug use disorder are four to ten times more likely to perpetrate violence than non-drug users. Victims of domestic violence often experience their own set of challenges related to substance abuse.

• It also reviews intervention strategies, outlines prevention efforts, and highlights the long-term impacts on survivors, perpetrators, and children.
• Substances like alcohol and certain drugs can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, leading to increased aggression.
• Large scale community-based studies may therefore better describe rates of SUD and IPV in the general population.
• The cycle of abuse can perpetuate itself, with children exposed to violence more likely to develop addictions and potentially become abusers in the future.
• Expressive murders are most often preceded by arguments and altercations and the level of intoxication increases the viciousness of the attack (Karlsson, 1998).

Consequences of Domestic Violence on Mental Health and Behavior

Emotional states such as anger, frustration, and hostility are said to lead an individual to perform expressive murders. In this context, alcohol is said to be the credible factor leading to emotional loss and instability and eventually leading to expressive-based murders. A national study of 16,698 inmates found that alcohol had a stronger role in violent offending such as homicide, physical assaults, and sexual assaults compared to offenses such as burglary and robbery. In this alcoholism symptoms study, the majority of the respondents claimed to have been under the influence/intoxication of substance(s) such as alcohol during the commission of murder (Felson and Staff, 2010). Diagnostic criteria of SUD are stronger correlates of IPV than consumption patterns alone (Cafferky et al., 2018).

ASAM Honors Innovators and Leaders in Addiction Medicine at The ASAM 51st Annual Conference

Emotional harm is equally damaging, with victims often what is alcoholism experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the abuse. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol and spousal abuse, Avenues Recovery is here to help. Reach out to us for the support and guidance you need to break the cycle of alcohol and domestic violence and rebuild a healthier future. These statistics illustrate how intertwined these issues are, suggesting a cyclical pattern where substance abuse can exacerbate domestic violence and vice versa.

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Racial discrimination produces increased risk for IPV exposure (Cho et al., 2014) and developing mental health issues after violence exposure (Voth Schrag, 2017). Individuals with disabilities also experience higher rates of IPV (Hughes et al., 2011; Plummer and Findley, 2012; García-Cuéllar et al., 2022) and face additional barriers to help-seeking (Plummer and Findley, 2012). Moreover, structural bias in the media has promulgated stereotypes about SUDs as a personal deficit specific to people of color, which again influences access to, and the quality of SUD treatment provided to minority groups (Matsuzaka and Knapp, 2020). Research shows a strong connection between violence and substance use disorders (SUDs). Studies indicate that up to 75% of individuals initiating treatment for SUDs report involvement in violent behaviors at some point in their lives.

Sentencing Factors in Substance-Related Domestic Violence

Our dedicated team offers compassionate support, ensuring you have the guidance and resources needed to navigate your journey to sobriety and wellness. This also means that a person who commits domestic violence while under the influence can’t “blame the alcohol” for their actions. If you hurt someone when you’ve been drinking, you remain morally and legally responsible for what you’ve done. Children in situations where substance use and domestic and family violence intersect are some of the most vulnerable in Australia. The United States Bureau of Justice Statistics report on intimate violence found that 85% of victims are female.

Disruption of Family Life

Domestic violence and substance abuse can have significant economic implications. Victims may face job loss, legal costs, and medical expenses related to the abuse. Additionally, the abuser’s substance abuse can lead to financial instability, further exacerbating the situation. Domestic violence can result in severe physical injuries, including bruises, fractures, and even death.