Awareness Starts with Knowledge (ASK)

    Written by: American Addiction Centers Editorial Staff Edited by: Kelly Doran Updated Feb 2, 2023   How Does Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence Impact on Substance Abuse? People who have experienced sexual abuse and/or domestic violence may suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger or suicidal ideations as a result. 2   Ninety-four percent of women who have been raped experience symptoms of PTSD in the 2 weeks after the incident, while 30% still experience symptoms of PTSD 9 months post-incident. 4   Some sexual and domestic abuse survivors may begin to use or increase their use of drugs and alcohol as a way of escaping feelings and memories associated with abuse. 2,5  People who have experienced sexual assault are 6 times more likely to use cocaine and 10 times more likely to use other major drugs than those who haven’t been assaulted. 4 Addiction, Sexual Abuse and Domestic Abuse Unfortunately, the repeated and compulsive use of drugs and/or alc

Jan 20, 2011 Mark Ilgen, PhD Felicia Kleinberg, MSW Publication Article Psychiatric Times  Psychiatric Times Vol 28 No 1 Volume  28 Issue  1   Substance use and suicide risk Although it is difficult to compare the relative impact among different mental health problems with the risk of suicide, alcohol and drug use disorders have been found to be strongly related to suicide risk. Individuals with a substance use disorder (i.e., either a diagnosis of abuse or dependence on alcohol or drugs) are almost 6 times more likely to report a lifetime suicide attempt than those without a substance use disorder. Numerous studies of individuals in drug and alcohol treatment show that past suicide attempts and current suicidal thoughts are common. Recent evidence from veterans indicates that men with a substance use disorder are approximately 2.3 times more likely to die by suicide than those who are not substance abusers. Among women, a substance use disorder increases the risk of suicide 6.5-fold.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. However, for people all around the world, domestic violence is a reality all year long. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in four women and one in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and have reported at least one impact of the violence. Domestic violence does not discriminate. According to the  National Domestic Violence Hotline , people of any race, age, gender, sexuality, religion, education level, or economic status can be a victim, or perpetrator, of domestic violence. Many people do not realize they are in an abusive relationship until the violence progresses. Furthermore, domestic violence does not just include physical harm. “The first time somebody pushes you, slaps you in an intimate relationship that is not okay under any circumstances. In sexual relationships, if somebody forces you to have sex agai

Though the numbers above reveal a great need for treatment among IPV victims, these people are often prevented by their partners from getting help. Research from the NCDVTMH notes that domestic abuse is rooted in patterns of power and control. This ongoing pattern is reinforced through: ·         intimidation ·         threats ·         physical or sexual violence ·         isolation ·         economic abuse ·         stalking ·         psychological abuse ·         coercion related to mental health and substance use Many abusers use substance use as a control mechanism over their partners. For example, an abuser may force their partner to use substances, then sabotage any efforts toward recovery. They do this by threatening to go to the authorities with evidence of their partner’s substance use if they were to speak up about the abuse. This tactic then strips the victim of his or her ability to seek help, keeping them under the control of their abuser and perpetuating unhealthy power

Substance abuse and domestic violence are connected in many ways, each of which harms both people in the relationship. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines domestic violence as the use of intentional emotional, psychological, sexual, or physical force by one family member or intimate partner to control another. Those who abuse substances are more likely to commit acts of domestic violence, and the victims of such acts are also at a higher risk of abusing drugs or alcohol. Whether it be to escape their abusive partner, relieve pain from physical abuse, or treat symptoms of mental illness, substances can quickly become a coping strategy. ted talks Substance Use Disorder and domestic violence - Bing video