Domestic violence can be defined in many different ways. However, generally speaking, it is abusive behavior that one partner expresses or displays against their intimate partner. It is usually done to get or keep power or control over their partner. When mixed with drugs or alcohol, domestic violence can escalate into a much more dangerous situation that may seem nearly impossible to get out of. There are numerous resources to help people escape from these situations. There are also treatment programs for those who have a substance abuse disorder due to being a victim or for any other reason, as well. 

Women who were abused are 15 times more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol and 9 times more likely to develop an addiction to drugs than those who aren’t abused. It is important to note that domestic violence isn’t always physical – it can include various other kinds of damage/harm including:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Elderly abuse
• Social abuse

If you are dealing with any type of domestic violence, please reach out to someone for help. If you are struggling with mental health or addiction issues as a result of the abuse, our Southeast Addiction Center is here to help you, as well. 

Behaviors of Domestic Violence

Are you unsure of whether you are in a domestic violence-based situation? If you aren’t sure, please look for the following behaviors:

• Dictating how victim wears their hair, dresses, etc. 
• Telling victim they aren’t able to do anything correctly
• Discouraging victim from getting help from friends or family
• Intimidating victim
• Preventing victim from making decisions on their own
• Threatening victim
• Forcing or pressuring victim to do things they don’t want to do 
• Shaming or embarrassing victim
• Putting the victim down in anything they do
• Controlling victim such as dictating who they can see and where they can go

These are just some of the behaviors of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is dealing with this type of situation, it can be tiring mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, but there are ways out. 

Origination of Domestic Violence

Every type of domestic violence originates from someone trying to have power over or control another person. Substance abuse and addiction are commonly linked to domestic violence. When someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are more likely to make bad decisions. It should be noted that around 80% of all domestic violence situations have one or more people who are impaired due to alcohol or drugs.

When someone abuses alcohol or drugs, their brain chemicals are out of control. It is like they are rewired. This often results in controlling, manipulating, irrational and/or violent behavior in a relationship. 

The risk of there being domestic violence in a relationship goes up even more when both people have an addiction to alcohol or drugs. If one or more of the people in that relationship are under the influence of these substances, the danger to the victim generally increases, as well. Part of the reason for this is because the person abusing the other isn’t controlling themselves and the victim is impaired, so they can’t properly defend themselves. 

Domestic violence is a vicious cycle. Sometimes, the victim isn’t willing to report the violence for fear their partner will hurt them even more. If left undealt with, the abuse and trauma will likely further escalate and even more severe consequences can occur. 

If you are dealing with any domestic violence situation, especially if this is causing you distress, anxiety, PTSD or addiction, please reach out to our Southeast Addiction team right away. 

Effects of Domestic Violence and Addiction 

The effects of domestic violence and addiction reach out very far. People who are domestic violence victims generally have a higher risk of dealing with mental health issues and addiction. Some of the issues that might develop when dealing with domestic violence include:

• Eating disorders
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Depression
• Substance abuse/addiction
• Other stress disorders

If you are struggling with a domestic violence situation, reach out for help right away. The sooner you get help, the more control you can have back over your life. 

Treatment for Domestic Violence and Addiction 

The key to freedom, sobriety and getting your life back is to find treatment for the issues you are dealing with. If you are the victim of domestic abuse and developed mental health or substance abuse issues as a result, our Southeast Addiction team can help. If you struggle with substance abuse or mental health issues and you are the abuser, we can help you, as well. We want everyone to feel safe and in control of their life. Our treatments help everyone to get the life they deserve. 

It should be noted that we do have and recommend various treatment options – those that help the victim and those that help the abuser. Some of these treatments may include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy 
• 12-step facilitation therapy
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Fitness therapy
• Nutritional therapy

If you are being abused or you want to stop abusing someone else, please contact our Southeast Addiction team today. We can help you to get your life back on track and to live the best life you possibly can. 

Get Help Overcoming Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Situations Today

Are you dealing with domestic violence? If so, this may be causing you to develop mental health and/or substance abuse issues. These are not easy to overcome on your own, but here at Southeast Addiction Center, we have a team that can help you to get through it all. 

Are you abusing someone, but need help to stop? If so, our team can also help you to overcome domestic violence issues and any other mental health or substance abuse issues you have, as well. 
We want to help everyone feel safe and comfortable. We also want to help everyone to live a substance-free lifestyle and be in control of their own life. If you need our help, please contact us today here at Southeast Addiction Center.