When substance abuse and domestic violence collide, it’s a toxic mess that no one should have to endure.
Whether you’re stuck in the thick of it or watching someone else struggle, knowing how these two issues feed off each other is very important.
Table of Contents
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How Does Substance Abuse Affect Relationships?
Substance abuse doesn’t just affect the person using it; it ripples through every aspect of their life, including their relationships.
1. Erodes trust
Substance abuse descends on a relationship like a trust-destroying tornado. Addiction thrives on lies, secrecy, and broken promises. Your partner might say they’ll quit, swear they’re sober, or claim it’s “not that bad,” but their actions say otherwise.
They’ll hide their substance use, make empty promises, and before you know it, trust is out the window. When you can’t rely on what they say — or worse, when you catch them lying — it’s impossible to feel secure. And without trust, the relationship falls apart.
2. Breaks down communication
Communication is the glue that holds a relationship together. But substance abuse can really mess with that glue and shatter the fragile status quo of your lives.
Arguments happen more often and get heated fast, while important topics are either ignored or explode into conflict. The partner dealing with addiction might shut down emotionally, making it hard to connect or talk about what really matters.
Meanwhile, the non-addicted partner ends up feeling like they’re constantly walking on eggshells, afraid that any conversation will turn into a fight. Eventually, you’re not talking to each other — you’re talking past each other.
3. Increases aggression and violence
Substance abuse can turn a relationship into a war zone. It’s like pouring gasoline on a fire — things can get out of control fast. One minute you’re arguing about dirty dishes, and the next you’re dodging flying objects.
And it’s not just physical stuff; the pain of substance abuse can put acid on the tongues of its victims. Your partner might hurl emotional and verbal abuse at you as well.
Alcohol, in particular, has been linked to increased aggression. It impairs cognitive functions, reducing self-control and increasing the likelihood of aggressive behavior and physical abuse.
A study by Leonard et al. shows that “certain personality traits, such as impulsivity or a predisposition to anger, can interact with alcohol use to increase the risk of IPV [intimate partner violence].”[1] They mention that “people with these traits may be more prone to violence when their inhibitions are lowered by alcohol.”
4. Causes financial strain
Substance abuse doesn’t just drain emotions — it drains bank accounts too. Addiction often leads to reckless spending, with money designated for something else fueling the habit.
Worse, it can lead to job loss or missed work, making finances even tighter.
The result? Unpaid bills, maxed-out credit cards, and constant financial stress. This strain puts serious pressure on the relationship, creating resentment and anxiety. It’s hard to feel secure or plan for the future when money is always tight and you’re worried about what’s next.
Before you know it, you’re fighting more about money than anything else.
5. Encourages enabling and codependency
Substance abuse often drags one partner into the role of enabler, even without them realizing it. You find yourself making excuses for your partner’s behavior, covering up their mistakes, or downplaying the seriousness of their addiction.
This creates a cycle of codependency, where the relationship starts to revolve around the addiction. Your life becomes all about managing their habit — protecting them from consequences, keeping things together, and hoping they’ll change.
But instead of helping, this just enables the addiction to continue, trapping both of you in a toxic cycle that’s hard to break out of.
6. Creates emotional distance
Substance abuse creates a massive emotional gap in relationships. The partner struggling with addiction often becomes so consumed by their need for the next fix that everything else, including you, falls to the back burner.
You’re left feeling neglected, isolated, and emotionally abandoned. It’s like talking to a wall — the connection you once had is buried under their addiction. You might try to reach out or have real conversations, but they’re unwilling to discuss it, or even too high or drunk.
Over time, the emotional distance just grows, leaving you feeling more alone in the relationship than ever, even when you’re sitting right next to each other.
7. Results in sexual dysfunction or intimacy issues
Substance abuse can seriously mess with intimacy in a relationship, both physically and emotionally. Addiction often leads to sexual dysfunction — things like loss of desire, difficulty performing, or even complete disinterest.
For instance, research on the acute effects of alcohol on sexual behavior reveals that “alcohol generally suppresses genital arousal in both men and women, reducing physiological responses like penile tumescence and vaginal blood volume.”[2]
The same research also states that “alcohol can disinhibit sexual aggression, making people more likely to commit or become victims of sexual assault.”
Meanwhile, the non-addicted partner starts feeling disconnected, unsafe, or emotionally shut out, making intimacy almost impossible. This creates a widening gap between partners, leaving them feeling more distant and frustrated.
8. Leads to neglect of responsibilities
When someone is struggling with addiction, their focus shifts to feeding their habit, leaving everything else on the back burner. Whether it’s caring for the kids, keeping the house together, or just showing up emotionally, responsibilities start to slip through the cracks.
The non-addicted partner ends up carrying the weight — physically, emotionally, and mentally. You’re doing everything and then some, while they’re barely holding it together. This creates serious resentment and burnout, leaving the relationship feeling one-sided and exhausting.
9. Deteriorates mental health
Constantly dealing with the chaos of addiction can lead to anxiety, depression, and even trauma, especially if there’s abuse involved.
You’re always on edge, worrying about their next move, and over time, that stress piles up. The emotional roller coaster of trying to “fix” them or keep things together leaves you feeling drained and hopeless.
It’s easy to lose yourself in the process, and your own mental well-being starts to crumble under the weight of it all.
10. Caregiver burnout
Taking care of someone with substance use disorder can be incredibly demanding. It’s a full-time job that often leaves you feeling overwhelmed. This is known as caregiver burnout.
When caregiver burnout takes hold, you start feeling exhausted, stressed, or even resentful because all your time and energy go into taking care of them and your own needs are pushed to the side.
With addiction, it can be even tougher because you’re not just managing someone’s health, you’re also dealing with the emotional roller coaster of their behavior, broken promises, and, sometimes, manipulation.
The guilt kicks in when you feel like you can’t do enough, but the reality is you can’t pour from an empty cup. Burnout happens when you’ve given so much that there’s nothing left for yourself. It’s important to take a step back, set boundaries, and seek support. You matter, too.
Obstacles to caregivers’ thriving include “the stigmatizing image of patients’ relatives as dysfunctional, passive recipients merely adjusting to the stressful and challenging circumstances” and the lack of “a systemic approach [that] requires the involvement of all the patient’s family members in the therapeutic process.”[3]
Awareness of the challenges substance use caregivers face can help you manage expectations and seek support where you need it.
11. Leads to unpredictability and instability
Substance abuse turns daily life into a roller coaster, and not the fun kind. Everything becomes unpredictable — one day, they’re fine; the next, they’re spiraling. You can’t count on them for anything, whether it’s showing up to dinner or showing up for work.
Plans fall apart and you’re left cleaning up the mess. Worse, their erratic behavior can make the whole environment feel unstable and even unsafe at times.
You’re always on edge, waiting for the next shoe to drop. It’s exhausting, and the constant chaos keeps you from ever feeling secure in the relationship. Stability? Forget about it.
12. Causes jealousy and paranoia
When your partner is acting erratic, staying out late, or hiding things, it’s easy for your mind to go into overdrive. You might start questioning their loyalty, wondering if they’re cheating or lying about more than just their substance use.
At the same time, addicts can also become paranoid, accusing their partner of things that aren’t happening, fueling even more conflict. The constant suspicion and mistrust can create a toxic environment, making it impossible to feel secure in the relationship. It’s a vicious cycle that only feeds the addiction.
13. Risks legal trouble
Substance abuse can easily lead to legal trouble, and guess who’s left dealing with the fallout. Yep, you. Whether it’s arrests, DUIs, or drug-related charges, addiction often puts the person struggling — and, by extension, their partner — into some serious hot water.
Suddenly, you’re bailing them out, paying for lawyers, or worrying about court dates. The emotional and financial strain is overwhelming. Plus, their legal issues can affect your life too — stress, anxiety, and even your reputation could take a hit.
It’s like being dragged into a storm you didn’t sign up for, and it feels impossible to escape the chaos.
14. Can lead to addiction for the victim as well
When someone is stuck in an abusive relationship, it’s not uncommon for them to turn to self-medication as a way to cope with the pain and trauma. I mean, when every day feels like walking on eggshells, it’s no surprise that alcohol or drugs might start to feel like a welcome escape.
Unfortunately, while it might numb the emotional wounds for a while, it can quickly lead to addiction. What starts as a way to survive the abuse spirals into a whole new issue — your own dependence on substances.
Addiction doesn’t just numb the pain; it also lowers your ability to respond to the abuse effectively, making it harder to leave or seek help. Before you know it, you’re trapped in a double bind: an abusive relationship and an addiction.
Substance Abuse’s Role in Domestic Violence
Domestic violence and substance abuse are often a toxic combo, especially when two people are living under the same roof. Addiction doesn’t cause abuse, but it can intensify already unhealthy dynamics, turning arguments into dangerous situations.
1. Lowered inhibitions
When someone’s under the influence, their inhibitions drop, making them more likely to act on impulses they’d usually hold back — like aggression or even violence. It’s as if the part of the brain that says, “Wait, maybe don’t do that,” gets shut off.
So, arguments turn into fights and minor conflicts can explode into full-blown domestic violence. The substances don’t cause the violence, but they definitely make it way easier for things to spiral out of control. It’s dangerous, and it puts everyone involved at risk.
2. Increased dependency
When drug and alcohol abuse is involved, the abused partner often feels stuck, especially if they’re financially or emotionally dependent on the addict.
It’s hard enough to leave an abusive relationship, but when your partner controls the money or your sense of emotional stability, it can feel impossible. They may be the one paying the bills or manipulating you into believing you need them, making the idea of leaving terrifying.
When emotional manipulation and gaslighting enter the chat, the situation becomes even harder for the victim to maneuver.
That dependency creates a toxic cycle where the victim stays because they don’t feel like they have another option. It’s not just about addiction — it’s about control, and it’s incredibly hard to break free.
3. Impact on children
Kids are innocent and helpless, and they’re often caught in the crossfire. They’re not just witnessing the chaos — they’re living it.
The constant tension, fear, and physical harm can cause lasting emotional trauma. Many children in these situations develop anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, and the effects can stick with them for life.
They might start thinking this kind of dysfunction is normal. Even if they’re not the direct target, just growing up in a home where addiction and violence are present can leave deep scars, both mentally and emotionally, sometimes resulting in a cycle of addiction and violence that can last generations.
4. Isolation
The partner struggling with addiction may withdraw from friends, family, or anyone who could help. Worse, they might cut you off from your support system too, making you feel like there’s no one else to turn to.
It’s a control tactic that makes leaving or getting help feel impossible. The more isolated you are, the easier it is for the abuse and addiction to continue unchecked.
Researchers Messing et al. studied the factors related to sexual abuse and forced sex in a sample of women experiencing police-involved IPV. They find, “The combination of social isolation and substance abuse increases the risk of IPV, as isolated people have fewer resources and support networks to escape abusive situations.”[4]
5. Violent behavior
When substance use increases, it can turn minor arguments into full-blown, dangerous situations. The addicted partner may become more unpredictable, lashing out emotionally or physically with growing intensity.
One day it’s a shove, the next it’s a slap, and before you know it, you’re covering bruises and making up stories at the ER. The more they use, the worse it gets. Your home stops being a safe space and turns into a powder keg.
6. Cycle of apologies and promises
After violent episodes, the apologies roll in like clockwork. The addicted partner might swear they’ll quit drinking or using or promise to get help — this time for real. They seem sincere in the moment, and maybe they even believe it themselves.
Next comes the love bombing, the manipulative affection that helps remind you why you stay even though they’re abusing you. They shower you with love, gifts, and a semblance of normalcy, promising that those dark days are behind you.
But without actual change or treatment, these promises often end up broken. Before you know it, another incident happens, followed by more apologies, and the cycle starts all over again.
7. Financial abuse
The addicted partner blows through money on alcohol or drugs, leaving little left for rent, bills, or groceries. This financial recklessness can quickly spiral into financial abuse, where the victim is forced to cover the shortfall or is manipulated into handing over money.
Sometimes, the addicted partner will control all the finances, using money as a tool of power, making the other person feel trapped. Whether through reckless spending or direct manipulation, addiction can turn financial instability into another form of control and abuse in the relationship.
Substance Abuse’s Role in Dating Violence
Even for dating partners who don’t live together, addiction can still fuel controlling, aggressive, and dangerous behaviors. The added layer of distance in a dating relationship might seem like a buffer, but it can actually make things more volatile as communication and trust break down even further.
1. Causes unpredictable behavior
Alcohol and drug abuse can make your partner’s behavior totally unpredictable. One minute, they’re making plans for a romantic date and the next they’re canceling last-minute or showing up late — if they even show up at all.
These erratic actions, fueled by substance use, can lead to frequent disappointments and arguments. Worse, when they do show up, an aggressive outburst might be just around the corner.
This level of unpredictability creates constant tension, where you never know what to expect, which only makes conflicts more intense and exhausting for both partners.
2. Leads to manipulation for access to resources
When you’re dating someone with a drug or alcohol problem, your resources can become their personal ATM.
They might start with small asks: “Can I crash at your place tonight?” or “I’m a little short on cash; can you spot me?” But before you know it, you’re their go-to for everything. They’ll play on your emotions like a fiddle: “If you loved me, you’d help me out.” Or they’ll spin tales that’d make Hollywood jealous — anything to get what they need for their next fix.
But what’s really happening is you’re being pulled into their cycle, enabling their addiction while they use your kindness as a cover. It can quickly become draining, leaving you feeling used and trapped in their web of lies and guilt.
3. Heightens jealousy and paranoia
Substance abuse tends to elevate paranoia and jealousy. Your partner starts obsessively texting, demanding to know where you are and who you’re with. It’s insecurity fueled by addiction, making them more unstable and threatened. They might demand play-by-play updates of your day or flip out if you hang with friends.
You’re not living together, so their imagination runs wild because they can’t control you. Who are you with? Why didn’t you text back immediately? Suddenly, your phone’s blowing up with messages that’d make a CIA interrogator blush.
This scenario can end up taking a very dark turn. According to a study on 274 methamphetamine users by Leamon et al., “A considerable number of subjects (37%) reported acting on their paranoia by obtaining a weapon, 11% reported using a weapon, and 15% had attacked others.”[5]
4. Increases risk of violence during encounters
Since you’re not living together, the anticipation of seeing each other can build up — and so can the tension, their anger growing the longer they go without seeing you. If your partner shows up intoxicated, their behavior can become impulsive and volatile, leading to explosive fights.
Drug and alcohol use lowers inhibitions, increasing the chance of violence during these moments. What starts as a nice dinner can end up in a screaming match or worse. Because these encounters are less frequent, the violence can escalate faster. You might not see the warning signs until it’s too late.
5. Increases risk of sexual coercion
Your date might try to use alcohol or drugs as a social lubricant, but sometimes it’s more sinister than that. They might pressure you to drink or get high, hoping you’ll be more “open” to their advances. Or they’ll use their own intoxication as an excuse to push boundaries. This can mean being pushed into sexual acts with which you’re uncomfortable.
The combination of substance use and coercion creates an environment where boundaries aren’t respected. And let me be crystal clear: Being under the influence doesn’t give anyone a free pass to ignore consent.
Sexual coercion is abuse, full stop. You have the right to say no at any time, for any reason.
Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Your body, your rules.
6. Impacts future relationships
Dating someone who abuses you or drugs and alcohol isn’t just a here-and-now issue. The effects can leave emotional scars that carry over into future relationships.
If you’ve been through this, you might find yourself struggling with trust, constantly looking for red flags or fearing intimacy. The trauma from the manipulation, volatility, and abuse can make it harder to feel safe or open with someone new, or worse, think the drama is normal.
The key is recognizing this and focusing on your healing process. Future relationships can thrive, but first, you need time to recover and rebuild your confidence in love and yourself. Consider seeing a therapist who can help you unpack this trauma.
It’s important to remember that healing takes time, and there are resources available to help you recover from these experiences.
Cycle of Violence and Addiction
Domestic violence and substance abuse are a toxic combo, feeding off each other in a vicious cycle. Someone drinks to cope with the abuse, then the drinking leads to more abuse, which leads to more drinking . . . you get the picture. It’s like a messed-up merry-go-round that nobody knows how to get off of.
Here’s a detailed look at the stages of the cycle of abuse fueled by addiction:
- Tension building: Small conflicts and stress build up, often fueled by substance use, leading to emotional strain. The partner may feel like they’re walking on eggshells, anticipating something worse.
- Incident: This is when violence occurs — physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. Substance abuse often plays a role, lowering inhibitions and increasing aggression.
- Reconciliation (honeymoon phase): After the incident, the abuser might apologize, promise change, or be overly affectionate. This is where empty promises to quit using substances can come in.
- Calm: For a short period, things may seem to go back to “normal,” but the underlying issues — addiction and violence — are still there, setting the stage for the cycle to start all over again.
There’s a deep connection between domestic violence, substance use
Protecting Yourself in a Relationship With Addiction
Being in a relationship with someone battling addiction can be draining, confusing, and downright dangerous. It’s hard to know where the lines are, especially when love is involved.
But you need to prioritize your safety and well-being, no matter how much you care for your partner. Protecting yourself doesn’t mean abandoning them — it means setting boundaries and taking steps to ensure your mental, emotional, and physical safety.
Here are some ways you can protect yourself:
- Set boundaries: Clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations regarding your partner’s substance abuse. Don’t be afraid to say no to harmful or disrespectful behavior.
- Create a safety plan: Develop a plan for what you will do if your partner becomes abusive or violent. Hide money, pack a go-bag, and identify safe places to go, trusted individuals to contact, and resources available to you.
- Limit financial entanglements: Avoid giving money or sharing finances with your partner, especially if they use it for drugs or alcohol. Protect your assets and accounts.
- Seek support: You don’t have to handle this alone. Talk to trusted friends, join support groups like Al-Anon, or seek therapy to help you navigate the emotional toll.
- Prioritize self-care: Your mental health is crucial. Take time for yourself — whether it’s engaging in hobbies, exercising, or just spending time away from the chaos of addiction.
- Know when to walk away: If the relationship becomes abusive or too toxic, don’t hesitate to leave. Your safety and well-being come first.
- Stay informed: Learn more about addiction, how it affects relationships, and how to spot manipulation or gaslighting. Knowledge is power, and it helps you understand when things go too far.
- Involve professionals: Encourage your partner to seek professional help but remember it’s not your job to fix them. Therapists and rehab centers are there for a reason — let them do the heavy lifting. If you’re both willing, consider couples therapy to address the underlying issues and work on improving the relationship.
- Don’t enable: Avoid enabling your partner’s substance abuse by making excuses for their behavior or covering up the consequences. This can perpetuate the cycle of addiction and abuse.
- Document incidents: Keep a record of any abusive or harmful behavior. This can be helpful if you decide to seek legal assistance or report the abuse.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your legal rights as a victim of domestic violence. This information can empower you to take action and seek protection.
Substance Abuse Risk Factors and Causes
Understanding what drives addiction can be tricky. It’s never just one thing — it’s usually a messy mix of circumstances, experiences, and biology. Whether it’s trauma, mental health struggles, or even genetics, the factors that push someone toward drug and alcohol abuse are complex.
Causes of addiction
- Genetics: A family history of addiction can significantly increase the likelihood of substance abuse, making it easier for someone to develop an addiction when exposed to substances.
- Trauma or abuse: People who’ve experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma.
- Mental health disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder can lead to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, which can spiral into addiction.
- Chronic stress: High levels of stress, whether from work, financial issues, or personal relationships, can drive people to seek relief in substance use, eventually leading to addiction.
- Peer pressure: Especially in younger individuals, the influence of friends or a social group that normalizes drug or alcohol use can cause someone to start using and, over time, become dependent.
- Escapism: Some turn to substances to avoid dealing with emotional pain, grief, or dissatisfaction in their lives, seeing drugs or alcohol as a temporary escape from reality.
Risk factors for addiction
- Early exposure: Those who start drinking or using drugs at an early age are more likely to develop addiction issues as their brains are still developing.
- Lack of support systems: Individuals without strong family ties, friendships, or a solid support system may be more vulnerable to addiction, especially when facing difficult life situations.
- Environment: Living in an environment where drug or alcohol use is common can normalize substance abuse and increase the risk of addiction.
- Poverty or unemployment: Economic hardship can lead to stress and depression, increasing the risk of turning to substances to cope with financial struggles and a lack of purpose.
- Chronic pain or illness: People dealing with ongoing physical pain or health conditions may become addicted to painkillers or other substances prescribed for relief.
- Family dynamics: Dysfunctional family settings, including domestic violence or parental neglect, can make drug and alcohol abuse more likely as a way to cope with emotional chaos or instability at home.
Managing Relationships During Addiction Recovery
Recovery is tough — not just for the person struggling with addiction but for their partner too. It’s a process that demands patience, understanding, and, sometimes, a complete shift in how both partners communicate and support each other.
But with the right mindset and tools, a relationship can survive — and even thrive — during recovery. Let’s look at some ways you and your partner can navigate this challenging but transformative journey together:
- Set clear boundaries: Establish what behaviors are unacceptable, such as relapse-related behaviors, lying, or financial manipulation. Boundaries ensure both partners have a clear understanding of what will and won’t be tolerated moving forward.
- Practice open communication: Recovery requires honest, open dialogue. Be prepared to talk about difficult topics, such as emotional triggers, setbacks, and needs. Keep communication non-judgmental and focused on problem-solving.
- Attend counseling together: Couples therapy or support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon can help both of you navigate the complex emotional terrain of recovery. Having a neutral third party can help with communication and conflict resolution.
- Be patient: Recovery is not linear. There will be setbacks, and it’s important to have patience with the process. Avoid pressuring your partner to recover “faster,” and allow space for their personal growth.
- Focus on self-care: Your emotional well-being matters too. Ensure that you’re taking care of your own mental health — whether through therapy, support groups, or even hobbies that bring you joy and relief.
- Avoid codependent behaviors: Watch out for tendencies to “over-help” or enable your partner. It’s important to support them, but not to the point where their recovery relies entirely on you. They need to be responsible for their own progress.
- Celebrate small wins: Recovery is full of milestones, both big and small. Celebrate sobriety anniversaries, improved communication, or even just getting through a tough day. Recognizing progress can keep both of you motivated.
- Have a relapse plan: Be realistic and prepare for potential relapses. Have a plan in place for how both of you will handle it — whether it’s reaching out to support networks or revisiting boundaries — so that a relapse doesn’t become a permanent setback.
- Build a support network: Surround yourselves with supportive friends, family, and recovery groups. A strong network provides both partners with the emotional and practical help they need during tough times.
- Stay committed to the journey: Understand that recovery is a long-term process that requires ongoing commitment from both sides. Keep looking forward and remind each other why you’re in it together.
Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Facts
Domestic violence statistics reveal the harsh realities of how substance use can exacerbate violence in relationships and impact individuals and families. Here are some key facts that shed light on the prevalence and consequences of these intertwined issues:
- One in three women worldwide experiences physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner.[6]
- At least 30% of women in substance abuse treatment programs have experienced IPV in their lives.[7]
- Around 92% of assailants in IPV used drugs or alcohol during the day of the assault. Another 67% had used a combination of cocaine and alcohol.[8]
- Approximately half of partnered men entering drug and alcohol abuse treatment have battered in the past year.[9]
- Approximately 70% of alleged intimate homicide perpetrators tested positive for alcohol use.[10]
Resources for Domestic Violence and Addiction Support
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone else, it’s important to know where to turn for assistance. Here’s a list of valuable resources that can provide the help you need:
Domestic violence resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- The National Network to End Domestic Violence
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- The hotline.org: Create your own safety plan
Addiction support resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- SMART Recovery
Additional resources:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
- The Jed Foundation
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Conclusion
Substance abuse can wreak havoc on relationships, fueling cycles of violence and abuse, eroding trust, and causing chaos.
Whether it’s escalating violence or emotional distance, the impact is real and painful. But you have the power to seek help and take control of your life. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
Many resources and supportive communities can help you deal with or break out of a cycle of substance abuse and domestic violence.
For more information about relationship abuse, please follow the link.
FAQ
What is the relationship between domestic violence and substance abuse?
The relationship between domestic violence and substance abuse is symbiotic — they live off of each other. People who misuse drugs or alcohol may become aggressive, leading to violent behavior towards their partners. This can create a dangerous cycle of abuse and addiction.
What are domestic abuse signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of domestic abuse include physical injuries like bruises, changes in behavior, and constant fear and uneasiness. Victims may feel isolated, controlled, or manipulated. If you see these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s essential to seek help.
What is the difference between substance use and abuse?
The difference between substance use and abuse is that substance use is simply using a substance. Substance abuse is when the use of a substance becomes harmful or interferes with your life. It can lead to problems at work, school, or home.
How does alcohol abuse cause domestic violence?
Alcohol abuse causes domestic violence because it lowers a person’s self-control and judgment. When someone drinks too much, they may become angry and aggressive, causing harm to their partner. This cycle of drinking and violence can be very harmful.
References
1. Leonard, K. E., & Quigley, B. M. (2017). Thirty years of research show alcohol to be a cause of intimate partner violence: Future research needs to identify who to treat and how to treat them. Drug and Alcohol Review, 36(1), 7–9.
https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12434
2. George, W. H., & Stoner, S. A. (2000). Understanding acute alcohol effects on sexual behavior. Annual Review of Sex Research, 11(1), 92–124.
https://www.academia.edu/download/43125299/Understanding_acute_alcohol_effects_on_s20160227-2982-ca2c4d.pdf
3. Shishkova, A. M., & Bocharov, V. V. (2022). The burnout concept as a theoretical framework for investigating the caregiving impact of relatives of patients with addictive disorders. Psychology in Russia, 15(3), 111.
https://doi.org/10.11621/pir.2022.0307
4. Messing, J. T., Thaller, J., & Bagwell, M. (2014). Factors related to sexual abuse and forced sex in a sample of women experiencing police-involved intimate partner violence. Health & Social Work, 39(3), 181–191.
https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/hlu026
5. Leamon, M. H., Flower, K., Salo, R. E., Nordahl, T. E., Kranzler, H. R., & Galloway, G. P. (2010). Methamphetamine and paranoia: the methamphetamine experience questionnaire. The American Journal on Addictions, 19(2), 155–168.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2009.00014.x
6. Mehr, J. B., Bennett, E. R., Price, J. L., de Souza, N. L., Buckman, J. F., Wilde, E. A., Tate, D. F., Marshall, A. D., Dams-O’Connor, K., & Esopenko, C. (2023). Intimate partner violence, substance use, and health comorbidities among women: A narrative review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1028375.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1028375
7. Marcelo, B. (2024). The relationship between domestic violence and substance abuse treatment outcomes [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University]. Scholar Works.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=16768&context=dissertations#:~:text=(2020)%20found%20that%20at%20least,individuals%20to%20adopt%20positive%20behaviors.
8. Brookoff, D. (1997). Drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence in Memphis. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, NIJ.
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/fs000172.pdf
9. Bennett, L., & Bland, P. (2008). Substance abuse and intimate partner violence. VAWnet.
https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/BTB25-PreConDV-12.pdf
10. Crane, C. A., Oberleitner, L. M., Devine, S., & Easton, C. J. (2014). Substance use disorders and intimate partner violence perpetration among male and female offenders. Psychology of Violence, 4(3), 322–333.
https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034338