What is the Correlation between Substance Use Disorders and Domestic Violence?

What is the Correlation between Substance Use Disorders and Domestic Violence?

The painful correlation between substance-use disorders (SUDs) and domestic violence (DV) is a reality that too many individuals and families face. Substance use disorders and domestic violence are profoundly complex; however, when they intersect, they create a devastating cycle that is difficult to escape.

Finding a solution involves recognizing the need for intervention and creating an approach that is both holistically informed and utilitarian in its approach. A successful intervention demands integrated treatment, compassion, and a commitment to safety. Rebuilding lives and families starts with understanding how addiction and abuse reinforce negative behaviors within each dynamic. Recognizing an individual’s need for support or potential intervention can potentially be the difference between life and death.

Approximately three women are killed every day in the United States by a current or former intimate partner. Roughly 2 in 3 of these domestic violence deaths are related to substance abuse within the relationship dynamic.

Clarifying the Link Between Substance Use and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a manifestation of abusive behavior (physical or mental) in an intimate or familial relationship that causes physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual harm. According to the CDC’s 2022 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), more than 61 million womenand 53 million men have experienced some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime.

Substance use plays a significant role in IPV scenarios. Research shows that 40–60% of IPV incidents involve substance use, especially alcohol, which remains the most common contributing factor.

Childhood Exposure and Long-Term Effects

Research has shown that exposure to domestic violence during childhood dramatically increases the risk of substance misuse in adulthood. Children raised in violent homes often develop trauma-related mental health issues, which in turn increases the likelihood of using substances to self-medicate. These patterns frequently continue into adulthood, reinforcing a cycle of dysfunction and maladaptive coping.

Many adults who experience domestic violence, whether in their past or currently in their life dynamic, are at elevated risk for developing SUD. Substance use may offer temporary relief from the emotional toll of abuse but ultimately worsens both the trauma and the addiction.

How Substance Use Disorders Contribute to Domestic Violence

Substance use often increases the risk, severity, and frequency of domestic violence. Substances like alcohol, methamphetamine, and cocaine impair judgment, increase impulsivity, and can provoke paranoia or aggression.

Patterns of Domestic Abuse correlated with Substance Use

Patterns of substance abuse and domestic violence play into a toxic dynamic of power and control:

1. Binge drinking: Increases risk of violent outbursts and emotional volatility
2. Alcohol dependence: Associated with coercive control and emotional abuse
3. Stimulant use (e.g., meth, cocaine): Can trigger psychosis and aggressive behavior
4. Depressant use (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines): May lead to neglect and emotional withdrawal
5. Substance scarcity or withdrawal: Heightens emotional instability and risk of violence
6. Seven million children live in households with active substance abuse.

Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Substance Use

In many cases, substance use is a response to trauma, which perpetuates a cycle of dysfunction throughout a family dynamic. Survivors and those currently experiencing domestic violence or abuse often turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional pain, PTSD, or hopelessness.

1. Up to 80% of women with substance use disorders report a history of physical or sexual trauma.
2. Survivors of Domestic violence are nearly 3x more likely to develop SUD than those with no history of DV.

DV creates a cycle of abuse and self-medication:

1. Domestic Violence/Abuse causes and perpetuates trauma and increases instances of PTSD.
2. Trauma experienced can lead to substance use as an unhealthy coping skill, self-medication, and escape.
3. Substance use disorder increases an individual’s vulnerability, making it harder for them to end abusive relationships, seek intervention, or find support.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Understanding and recognizing the signs of substance abuse and indications of domestic violence can help encourage early intervention and identify potential risk factors before problematic situations escalate into a crisis.

Signs That Substance Abuse Is a Factor in Domestic Violence:

1. Explosive anger or emotional volatility during/after substance use
2. Paranoid, controlling, obsessive, or manipulative behaviors
3. Threats involving money, drugs, or access to substances
4. Increasing social isolation, behavior that is “out of character” or restricted access to supports (i.e., family, friends, work)

Signs That Someone Is Coping with Abuse Through Substance Use:

1. Substance use escalates after violent incidents
2. Visible fear or anxiety around their partner
3. Withdrawal from friends or family
4. Declining mental health, hygiene, or sleep patterns

The Cycles of SUD/DV in Marginalized Communities

Substance use disorders (SUD) and domestic violence disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and those in low-socioeconomic households. These groups often face unique obstacles to seeking help, including increased stigma, potential discrimination, and limited access to culturally competent services.

Additionally, higher rates of addiction and, at times, inter-generational family dysfunction within these communities can negatively affect life outcomes and further hinder an individual’s ability to access community support, clinical treatment, or necessary intervention.

The Disproportionate Impact of DV/SUD on Some Communities:

1. African American women are 2–3x more likely to experience domestic violence than white women.
2. Native American women report the highest DV rates of any group; nearly a 50% increase.
3. LGBTQ+ individuals face high DV and SUD rates: 44% of bisexual women, 61% of transgender individuals, and 20% of gay men report experiencing DV.
4. Culturally tailored treatment improves therapeutic outcomes by up to 30%.

Key Barriers to Positive Outcomes:

1. Fear of stigma or rejection, especially in LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities.
2. Language and cultural barriers for immigrants and refugees.
3. Low socioeconomic status, which limits independence and increases vulnerability.
4. Lack of culturally competent services that reflect clients’ identities.
5. Fear of legal consequences (e.g., deportation, criminalization) among immigrants and communities of color.

Integrated, Trauma-Informed Care is Essential

Successful outcomes in substance abuse/domestic violence intervention and treatment require the utilization of a dual-diagnosis treatment model that recognizes how domestic violence, trauma, and addiction are related to one another.

Studies have shown that community support and services integrate trauma-focused therapy with substance use recovery. These models have shown that individuals, when met with appropriate dynamic services, can more easily achieve positive long-term outcomes.

Trauma-informed care and an integrated approach to healing are essential to achieving a positive long-term solution to assist people struggling with substance abuse and domestic violence.

Benefits of Integrated Treatment:

1. Individuals receiving trauma-informed, integrated care are twice as likely to remain in recovery, as they are more likely to feel safe.
2. When individuals feel safe and supported within a positive community, they begin to build a deeper connection to their recovery, fostering self-awareness, healing, and the belief that a healthier, more stable life is truly possible.
3. Holistic care models that address housing, mental health, and safety have shown higher long-term success.

How Buena Vista Recovery Can Help

If you or someone you love is living in the cycle of domestic violence and addiction, know this: you are not alone, and healing is possible. Buena Vista Recovery provides comprehensive, trauma-informed treatment for individuals facing co-occurring substance use and abuse.

Our programs integrate evidence-based addiction treatment, trauma therapy, and emotional support to help survivors rebuild safety, confidence, and control. We offer:

1. Inpatient and outpatient services with a holistic and tailored continuum of care
2. Trauma-informed counseling and support through an integrated treatment plan
3. Dual-diagnosis care, which emphasizes self-determination and personal growth
4. Safe, confidential environments that provide a safe place to address complex issues
5. Supportive and collaborative treatment and aftercare planning that assists in achieving long-term stability and sustainability throughout the healing process.

You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be heard. And you deserve to heal.

At Buena Vista Health and Recovery, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.

Our compassionate team offers medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, and trauma-informed therapy, all in a safe and supportive space designed to help and empower you, so that you can reclaim your life.

Start your journey toward healing today.

Call us at (480) 999-0851 or reach out through our website.

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