How Are Domestic Violence and Substance Use Connected?

Domestic violence is affects about 10 million people each year in the U.S. However, this number may be even higher, since it is often not reported. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of domestic violence in a family. People who use drugs and alcohol are more likely to commit and experience domestic violence. 

Here, we’ll cover the definition of domestic violence and how domestic violence is connected to substance use. We’ll also discuss how you can tell if you are in an abusive relationship — and what to do if you are. If you are experiencing domestic violence, help is available. 

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is abuse that occurs between family members. It may occur between romantic partners (intimate partner violence), parents and children (child abuse), or older family members and their caretakers (elder abuse). 

Domestic violence may include the following types of abuse:

• Physical: physically harming another person by hitting, kicking, or doing other violent acts

• Emotional: name-calling, humiliation, yelling, threatening, or controlling another person’s behavior

• Sexual: any sexual act that is unwanted

• Financial: using money as a form of control

• Stalking: repeatedly contacting, following, or watching a person

The consequences of domestic violence can include:

• Physical injury

• Brain injury

• Health issues affecting the heart, muscles, bones, and reproductive, digestive, and nervous systems

• Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Higher risk of substance use

• Death

What is intimate partner violence?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to domestic violence that happens between current or former romantic partners. IPV can occur in any type of romantic relationship, such as between spouses or dating partners and in both heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ relationships. Teens can also experience IPV. In fact, one survey found that around 5 million men and 11 million women who experienced IPV reported that it began during their teen years.

Any form of abuse between partners is considered IPV. It does not matter whether it happens only once or several times. The severity of the abuse also doesn’t matter. 

Who is at greatest risk of being a victim?

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. However, some groups of people experience higher rates of domestic violence. 

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When it comes to IPV, women are more likely to be victims, and men are more likely to be perpetrators. IPV also occurs in LGBTQIA+ relationships. The following statistics highlight rates of IPV for different groups:

• About 25% of women and around 15% of men have experienced physical violence from a partner.

• Around one-third of women and more than 15% of men have experienced sexual violence at some point.

• More than 16% of women and 5% of men have been stalked by a current or former partner.

• Rates of domestic violence among bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender couples are approximately 25%.

Children and older people are also at risk of domestic violence. These groups are more vulnerable and may have a harder time advocating for themselves. 

Around 15% of children experience abuse or neglect at home. But the rates may be even higher, since it is often not reported. Children who live in poverty are five times more likely to be victims of abuse. In 2020, child abuse and neglect took the lives of 1,750 children.

Approximately 10% of older adults over age 60 who live at home experience elder abuse. Between 2002 and 2016, over 643,000 elderly persons had to receive treatment in the emergency room due to physical violence. 

What impact do alcohol and other drugs have on domestic violence?

There is a strong link between domestic violence and substance use. Substance use is more likely to be present in families where domestic violence occurs. In some cases, substance use may lead to domestic violence. In other cases, domestic violence may lead to substance use. 

Studies have found that:

• Between 25% and 50% of men who commit domestic violence have substance use problems.

• Victims of domestic violence are likely to cope with distress by using substances.

• Many people who commit domestic violence were raised in families where domestic violence and substance use occurred.

Certain substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine, can cause short- and long-term effects, like aggression, that can lead to violence. People who are under the influence may also have difficulty regulating their emotions. When faced with a trigger, a person may react with violence to something that they would ordinarily be able to manage. 

Over time, substance use also causes changes to the brain that can affect emotion regulation. Drug and alcohol use can affect the amygdala, which is a part of the brain that helps manage anxiety and irritability. 

What impact does domestic violence have on substance use?

Self-medication is one reason that people who experience domestic violence may turn to drugs and alcohol. Domestic violence is linked to negative emotional states, like anxiety and depression. Some people may use drugs and alcohol as a way to escape these feelings. 

People who grew up in families where there was violence may not have learned how to cope with stress and conflict in a healthy way. They may turn to the same strategies that they saw modeled to them, like drugs, alcohol, and violence. 

Warning signs of an abusive relationship

Abusive relationships are not always easy to detect. It may be difficult to admit that there is abuse in a relationship. Some people may deny or ignore the warning signs of abuse. 

Signs that indicate that you may be in an abusive relationship include someone:

• Accusing you of infidelity without proof

• Not respecting your privacy

• Taking your money

• Controlling where you go or whom you see

• Controlling any other aspects of your life, like what you eat or wear

• Embarrassing you in public

• Forcing you to engage in sexual activity

• Physically hurting you 

• Threatening to hurt you, your loved ones, or themselves

• Blaming you for their behavior

• Calling you hurtful names

• Destroying your possessions

Whether you are currently in an abusive relationship, have past experience with domestic violence, or are an abuser yourself, it is never too late to get help and stop the cycle of abuse.

How to get help if you’re a victim

If you have experienced domestic violence, help is available. Taking the steps to get help and leave an abusive relationship is difficult. You do not have to do it alone. Here are some resources and things you can do if you need help:

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away. For help, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text “Start” to 88788. Advocates are available 24/7 to offer care and support.

• Make a safety plan. You can create your own safety plan, either on your own or with the help of an advocate. A safety plan is an individualized plan that helps you remain safe throughout the process of leaving an abusive relationship. It includes a list of important resources, contacts, and coping skills.

• Know that you have legal rights and options. For more information about legal rights and options, you can contact the National Center for Victims of Crime. They offer the VictimConnect Resource Center (VCRC), which can educate you about your rights and connect you with referrals for legal help. You can call or text them at 1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) or chat with a victim assistance specialist online. 

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Written by:

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health professional with over 10 years of clinical experience.

Reviewed by:

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP, has 15 years of clinical experience providing therapy. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Indiana and Illinois with treatment experience in individual, couples, family, and group therapy modalities.

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