Carolyn, Daughter of Marie
Carolyn, Daughter of Marie
Advocating Against Domestic Violence Through Poetry
Advocating Against Domestic Violence Through Poetry
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that’s used by an intimate partner to gain or maintain power and control over the other partner. When combined with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, domestic abuse can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation that is hard to get away from.
Good morning Carolyn, My name is Danny and I am writing because when I was in college, I nearly lost a close member of my family to addiction. Since then, I’ve wanted to be able to help others that find themselves, or a loved one, in the same predicament. Now, I work as the Community Outreach Specialist for a substance abuse support site. We are determined to help victims and prevent new ones. Our comprehensive guide covers nearly every question that could be had about addiction. It also provides information on the warning signs to look out for, types of abuse, and resources for victims and the loved ones of victims. I know you are busy, but you can check out the website here: https://www.addictioncenter.com/
We have an excellent page that addresses the correlation of substance abuse and domestic violence here at
Recently, I came across your website and having read www.carolyndaughterofmarie.com/default.html, I feel this is a subject you would like to cover. If you would like to add it as a resource, our team would be very grateful. Please let me know what you think and thank you for all that you do! - Danny Hanrahan
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that’s used by an intimate partner to gain or maintain power and control over the other partner.
When combined with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, domestic abuse can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation that is hard to get away from.
Domestic violence does not always constitute physical violence — it can encompass various other types of harm to overpower an individual and keep them in fear of the other.
There are many different behaviors that can be characterized as domestic abuse:
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
Addiction and Causes of Domestic Violence
All types of domestic violence originate from one person’s desire for control over another. Addiction and substance abuse is linked to domestic violence in a strong way. When someone is inebriated from drugs or alcohol, they are likely to lose control of their inhibitions. Being under the influence of any substance greatly increases the chances of abusive behavior.
Nearly 80% of domestic violence crimes are related to the use of drugs.
When a person abuses drugs, the chemicals in their brain are rewired to seek out the substance, despite any future consequences of their behavior. This can result in irrational, violent or controlling behavior within a relationship.
Addiction and domestic violence share a number of characteristics, such as:
- A loss of control
- Behavior continues even though it leads to negative consequences
- Addiction and abuse tend to worsen over time
- Both conditions involve denial or shame
The risk of domestic violence increases when both parties have a substance abuse disorder. It may become difficult, if under the influence, for the victim to determine how much danger they are actually in. He or she will likely have a difficult time defending themselves against a partner’s attack or being able to call for help.
Domestic abuse becomes a vicious cycle, as the abuse victim may be unwilling to report the attack for fear that their partner will physically, emotionally or financially retaliate. If left untreated, domestic abuse can continue to perpetuate an unhealthy dynamic in the relationship that can have severe consequences.
Questions about treatment?Call now to be connected with a compassionate treatment specialist.CALL NOW(844) 607-2978
Effects of Addiction and Domestic Violence
The effects of addiction and domestic violence are far-reaching. Those who are victims of domestic violence are more likely to struggle with a wide range of mental health disorders and require inpatient treatment to overcome the trauma of abuse.
Some of the problems that may develop after domestic abuse include:
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Getting Treatment
The key to sobriety and freedom from a destructive relationship pattern is to not only find treatment for the violence, but also for substance abuse. There are treatment centers available to help both the abuser and the abused overcome a substance addiction and improve their overall quality of life.
My biggest struggles while I was active in my addiction was being homeless and in a physical domestic violence relationship… I have had struggles and difficult moments in recovery but it’s better than when I was active in my addiction. I am so glad that I decided to go into residential treatment, because getting clean was the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Kimberly S., recovering addict
It may be beneficial to incorporate anger management classes to the learning and rehabilitation process. Counseling sessions with a therapist can help address issues related to control and find the underlying cause of the violence.
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, your personal safety must take priority over any feelings you may have for the perpetrator. Treatment programs can help establish a recovery plan that will help individuals in an abusive relationship move forward with their lives, away from toxic and dangerous relationships.
Treatment programs and other domestic abuse resources are available to help you find safety and healing. If you are caught in the crosshairs of domestic violence and substance abuse or addiction, please contact us today for help.
CALL NOW(844) 607-2978