Alcohol abuse and domestic violence are two serious conditions that may occur together. Alcohol use or addiction does not directly cause domestic violence. Rather, it may escalate or fuel an already violent person. Struggling with alcoholism and domestic violence can be difficult and often requires professional treatment. Vertava Health offers treatment programs at many of its facilities that help individuals heal from both alcohol use disorders and the trauma of domestic violence. Contact us at 844.470.0410 today to learn how our alcohol rehab center could benefit you.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is when someone willfully harms an intimate partner as part of a pattern of power and control. Domestic violence can be physical or sexual assault, battery, psychological violence, emotional use, or any other abusive behavior toward an intimate partner.
Domestic violence situations can vary drastically, but the aspect of domestic violence that remains consistent in all instances is the continual pattern of control and power. Violence within a relationship is an epidemic that does not discriminate based on demographics. Domestic violence occurs in every race, nationality, religion, and gender.
In many cases, it may be difficult or impossible to determine if a partner is going to become violent. Many individuals who go on to commit domestic use begin a relationship as a charming, perfect partner. However, as the relationship progresses, the need for control causes individuals to begin abusing their partners. Aside from physical and sexual violence, domestic use can include a number of other abusive tendencies. These may include:
- Controlling all of the money in the household
- Threatening to kill the loved one’s family, friends, or pets
- Shaming or embarrassing the victim
- Controlling how the victim looks or dresses
- Intimidating the victim with weapons
- Stalking the victim when they go anywhere
- Discouraging the victim from seeing family or friends
These are just a few of the many ways in which a person can domestically abuse a loved one. When combined with alcohol use or addiction, domestic abuse can quickly and dangerously escalate. Consequences of domestic violence can include physical injury, emotional trauma, and even death.
Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence
Alcohol abuse and domestic violence often go hand in hand. However, domestic violence is not directly caused by alcohol use. It can be fueled by intoxication.
When someone is under the influence of alcohol, they are much more likely to lose control of their behavior and inhibitions. This can make individuals who are prone to violence much more likely to act on violent thoughts or urges. As a result, someone who may otherwise be able to control violent tendencies will be more likely to behave in a violent way when intoxicated.
Both alcohol addiction and domestic violence share certain symptoms, including:
- Continued participation in the behavior despite unwanted consequences
- Feelings of guilt and shame as a result of the behaviors
- Lying about or denying involvement in the behaviors
- Loss of control
- Worsening of the conditions over time
The risk of dangerous consequences increases when alcohol use and domestic violence are combined. Someone under the influence of alcohol may be unable to see the harm they are causing to the victim. Additionally, if a victim is intoxicated, it can make it difficult for him or her to seek help.
Get Help For Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence at Vertava Health
The key to finding freedom from both domestic violence and alcohol addiction is to treat both conditions rather than just one. Treatment programs are available to help both the person partaking in domestic violence as well as the victim. Several programs offered by Vertava Health focus on helping individuals heal from domestic use as well as overcome an alcohol use disorder.
Individuals who are victims of domestic violence and suffer from alcohol addiction often find the most success in residential treatment programs. This type of treatment provides a safe place where patients can focus on recovery without the fear of the abusive loved one interfering. Additionally, many programs that focus on trauma and domestic use recovery are gender-specific, allowing patients to feel more comfortable and safe. To learn more about how alcohol use disorders and domestic violence are related, or to seek a treatment program for alcohol use disorder, contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today.
