Alcohol & Drugs in DV

Understanding the Role of Alcohol and Drugs in Domestic Violence

Alcohol use, especially binge and chronic drinking is strongly associated with battering. The statistical relationship between domestic violence and addiction is undeniable. In fact, the most severe incidents of battering occur when the abuser is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Nevertheless, the actual role of alcohol in abusive episodes is not well understood. It is clear that drinking does not always lead to violence and that many battering episodes occur without the use of alcohol. Some research suggests that alcohol increases aggressive tendencies; while other suggests that it lowers inhibitions against violent behavior. Important to understand that alcohol interacts with endocrinological, neurobiological, and genetic factors to influence an individuals behavior. Another important factor to note is the cultural and social context in which alcohol is used, as well as the expectation of its effects, play important roles.

Some studies report that both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence have high levels of alcohol use. In studies, law enforcement found that twice as many batterers (two-fifths) as battered women (one-fifth) were intoxicated at the time of arrest. Other has estimated the rate of excessive alcohol use is a little more than 50% for male batterers and around 20% for female victims. These numbers rise to around 80% of men when the violence resulted in someone's death.

How are drugs involved with domestic violence? Evidence shows that both victims and abusers underreport their use of nonprescription drugs. Accused batterers have been randomly selected for urinalysis, about three-fourths showed evidence of alcohol use, and at least half tested positive for some kind of other drug. Drugs used by both victims and abusers such as cocaine and its derivatives, crank, crack, speed as well as amphetamines and methamphetamines, are frequently associated with severe abuse that results in more serious injuries to the victims.

Prescription drugs are prescribed for victims by their physicians for depression when in fact they are victims of domestic violence and their depression is due to ongoing violence in the relationship. Many victims of violence self-medicate by using illegal drugs. The facts are the stress of an abusive relationship increases women's risk of depression, suicide and substance abuse.

Getting help is important and tricky. Philosophies among Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Domestic Violence Programs and Batterer's Treatment vary within models of delivery of service and treatment. Many alcohol treatment programs operate from a “sobriety first” philosophy, while battered women's shelters and direct services operate from a “safety first” philosophy. Whereas a Batterer's Treatment program usually operates from a sociopolitical model.

The important similarities between abusers and alcoholics are the tendency for the perpetrators to discount their behavior and to minimize the severity of their drunkenness or battering. Batterers and alcoholics blame others, make excuse rather than accept responsibility for their behavior.

Self-help programs like AA promote and support emotional and spiritual health and have helped countless numbers of alcoholics get sober. Most importantly they remind its members they have a “choice” to either drink or be sober. Having a “choice” is the operative word. Batterers Treatment emphasize that violence is a “choice”. Even though there are different philosophical basis between programs, there are several important similarities as well. Both programs confront denial and minimization of destructive behaviors and rationalizations used to justify behaviors. They both urge men (and women) to take personal responsibility of their behavior, and the necessary personal change on a daily basis over the long run. These programs also promote mutual support that breaks down social isolation.

Victim Services and AA can work together helping women to break their isolation, get mutual support and take the necessary steps to move forward in their lives. Encouraging and reminding people they do in fact have a “choice”. Both Victims Services for domestic violence and AA are not treatment programs but offer options and support designed to assist people on a path of support, safety and sobriety.

DVSAS encourages victims of domestic violence to join AA or Al-anon group in addition to counseling with a DVSAS advocate enabling them with self-determination, safety planning and ongoing needed support. For further questions or information about philosophies of different programs call DVSAS or e-mail us at dvsasorcas@rockisland.com or link on to www.Google.com and enter connection between domestic violence and alcohol.

Local AA Groups' Calendar for Eastsound Chapter: Its mission….a fellowship of men and women helping each other to recover from alcoholism… The only Requirement for Membership is a Desire to Stop Drinking

Weekly Meetings are at the Benson Hall of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the white church on the waterfront in Eastsound Village. Enter to the right of the church's main entrance, under the bell

AA Weekly Meetings

Sun 5:30-6:30 pm Open Topic

Tues 5:30-6:30 pm Women

Tues 7:00-8:00 pm Men

Wed. 5:30-6:30 pm Living Sober

Thurs 6:30-7:30 pm Artists In Recovery

Fri 5:30-6:30 pm As Bill Sees it

Fri 7:00-8:00 pm LGBT & F

Sat 8:00-9:00 am Steps 3, 7, & 11,

360-376-4522

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