The connection between domestic violence and addiction is well recognized by several sources. Statistics show that millions of domestic violence victims indicate that substance abuse was also a part of the domestic violence. It is important to note that domestic violence related to addiction occurs in many forms, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual assault. Sometimes, victims of domestic violence also experience addiction issues themselves, which often leads to women starting treatment, such as the women’s rehab center at Rockland Recovery.
The Relationship Between Domestic Violence and Addiction
Most people have likely heard of a situation where domestic violence occurred after an individual or perhaps both parties engaged in drug use. The process of addiction, whether to alcohol or other drugs, often results in aggressiveness, anger, and changes in the brain. Co-occurring mental health issues may also have a role in domestic violence and addiction.
Some people use domestic violence to control their spouse or their significant other. They also may engage in domestic violence as a way to decrease their guilt. Finding fault with another person may justify the violence and continued drug use in the mind of the perpetrator.
Some types of domestic violence that may occur when a person has addiction issues include:
- Stalking the intended victim before committing domestic violence or on an ongoing basis
- Committing acts of emotional domestic violence such as belittling another person while under the influence
- Physical assault such as slapping or shoving or severely beating another person and sexual assault such as rape
- Committing acts of domestic violence against children
- Committing homicide
Millions of people commit domestic violence, while others experience domestic violence that is related to addiction. One sign of an individual needing an addiction treatment program includes when people say or do things under the influence that later cause feelings of shame or guilt. People sometimes buy flowers, plan a nice meal, or apologize after committing domestic violence. Then the vicious cycle of domestic violence and addiction continues, sometimes even after completing a men’s rehab center program.
Another important fact is that men are not always the aggressor in domestic violence situations. Women with addiction issues related to an addiction to meth that have a cocaine addiction or experience alcohol addiction issues can also be the aggressor in domestic violence situations and need a women’s rehab center.
Substance Abuse as a Risk Factor for Domestic Violence
Both research and court records demonstrate the correlation between domestic violence and addiction. It is important to note that although the two are related, substance abuse alone does not cause domestic violence. It is, however, a strong risk factor. Another important note is that individuals who commit acts of domestic violence related to their drug use typically do not demonstrate violence towards other, unrelated people.
It is imperative to understand the fact that drug addiction does not minimize the occurrence of domestic violence. The two need to both be treated in gender-specific treatment programs. Addiction treatment programs can guide a person through their recovery but may not offer services to address domestic violence.
A separate domestic violence program leads the individual to understand that they cannot use their addiction issues to justify the acts of domestic violence.
How Can I Learn More About Addiction Center Treatment Programs?
Rockland Recovery offers a variety of treatment programs for clients that have addiction issues that involve alcohol or other drugs. Our caring team has the expertise to develop the right treatment plan for your own needs because the treatment needs for two or more people are never completely identical.
Contact us today to learn more about comprehensive treatment. Call us at 855.732.4842 to learn more. Take back control over your life and learn to live without drugs and domestic violence.
