Alcohol abuse and domestic violence appear to be linked on several levels. While one does not necessarily cause the other, the abuse of alcohol seems to both overlap with an increase in domestic violence and be a common symptom of surviving domestic abuse. Understanding the relationship between alcohol abuse and Domestic Violence in Tacoma WA can be an important step to getting help.
Alcohol and Domestic Violence Occurrence
Repeated studies show that the majority of abusers have some substance abuse issues, and the majority of domestic violence incidents involve being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is important to remember that not all abusers use substances, and many people use substances without ever becoming abusive, but the relationship between the two is clear.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol lowers inhibitions and can increase the explosiveness of a situation. Addiction can result in a person using a substance despite any possible consequences. Getting access to the substance can be so important that irrational, violent, and controlling behavior occurs.
The addiction does not justify the abuse, however, and should not be used as an excuse by the abuser. The overlap of domestic violence and substance abuse simply means someone who is both abusive and an addict will likely have to address both issues for either to improve.
Alcohol and Domestic Violence Survivors
Another side of substance abuse and Domestic violence in Tacoma WA is that many victims of domestic violence turn to coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol. Not only will these coping mechanisms not heal trauma, but they can also make a toxic relationship more dangerous.
Being under the influence can make it difficult for a victim to determine how dangerous a situation is and may make them more likely to blame themselves for being in the situation. In this way, substance abuse can make it harder to ask for help or leave an abusive relationship.
The Bottom Line
Victims should be reminded that abuse is never their fault no matter what coping mechanisms are being used to deal with the trauma. They deserve help and to get out of that harmful relationship. Substance abuse does not excuse domestic violence whether the use of drugs and alcohol is on the side of the victim or the abuser. Help for both domestic violence and substance abuse are available. Everyone deserves to be safe.
