Alcohol and Domestic Violence: Addiction’s Role in Aggression

Domestic violence destroys relationships and ruins homes. It is a crime which leaves victims feeling scared, alone, and traumatized. Many people do not realize that alcohol often plays a role in situations of domestic violence. This is because alcohol can impair judgement and increase aggression, turning a once loving person into a dangerous and violent source of fear in the household. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the link between alcohol and domestic violence.

First, let’s take a look at the raw data that shows the connection between alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Some of these numbers may shock you.

• According to the National Library of Medicine, alcohol is a factor in 40% of domestic violence occurrences. 
• When accounting only for spousal abuse, alcohol is present in 75% of cases.
• 92% of domestic abuse assailants reported using alcohol on the day of the encounter.
• Men with alcohol dependence are 6 times more likely to be abusers than their nondrinking counterparts.

When you look at these statistics, it is impossible to deny that alcohol plays a large role in a majority of domestic violence situations.

Unfortunately, there are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding alcohol and domestic violence. Dispelling these falsehoods is important in order to provide a better understanding of the actual relationship between the two. Some of the most common myths are:

• Alcohol Causes Domestic Violence: While alcohol does increase the chances of domestic violence occurring, it does not force someone to become physically violent. The offender in these situations is still responsible for their actions and should seek treatment, usually in the form of therapy, to address their violent tendencies.

• Abusers Are Only Violent When Drunk: A majority of abusers will still have violent tendencies when sober. The increased aggression when drinking just makes them more likely to act on their violent urges. As mentioned, it is important to treat the underlying violent behavior as well as the alcohol addiction. 

• Victims Share the Responsibility: Many victims will feel that they are partially at fault for the abuse. Victims will often feel that they should not have made the abuser angry, that some of the blame rests on them. This is not the case. Victims of domestic violence are never responsible in any way for the abuse they suffer. The blame rests solely with the abuser. 

The perpetuation of the above myths makes it less likely for alcohol addicts with domestic violence issues to seek treatments. By dispelling these myths, it may help them to see that they do in fact need help and treatment for their issues.

Domestic abuse impacts victims in ways that can be life-altering, both physically and mentally. The physical impacts of domestic abuse can include:

• Injuries: Victims of domestic abuse often suffer from bruises, lacerations, and broken bones. 

• Chronic Conditions: Repeated domestic abuse can lead to life long complications. This can include cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, back issues, and arthritis.

• Death: Extreme cases of domestic abuse can lead to the death of the victim.

Just as important are the mental impacts of domestic abuse. These can include:

• PTSD: Post traumatic stress disorder is common in victims of domestic abuse. This is often characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

• • Depression and Anxiety: Domestic violence can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. 

• Low Self-Esteem: Victims of domestic abuse often deal with constant feelings of low self-esteem, self-blame, and shame.

• Suicidal Thoughts: Persistent domestic abuse can lead to victims contemplating, and even following through with, suicide.

As you can see, domestic abuse does not end when the violence does. The impacts of the act are far-reaching and can follow the victim for life.

Help and support in cases of alcohol-fueled domestic abuse is two sided. Most importantly is support for the victim. If you are the victim in a domestic abuse situation, you should contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. They will be able to provide you with resources and help to remove you from the dangerous situation you find yourself in. While you may still want to help your loved one with their alcohol addiction, your safety should be top priority.

To help your loved one with their alcohol addiction, you will need to get them treatment. Often, this starts with an intervention. This is where you and a group of other individuals they trust will confront them regarding their drinking. You will all share how their addiction affected you and try to convince them to receive help. This help is often best found in an inpatient addiction treatment program. A program such as this will allow the addict to fully focus on treatment.

Intervening with an aggressive alcoholic can be like a powder keg. One spark and they can explode with anger, and in some cases, violence. These tips will help you avoid this.

• Stay Calm: If you become aggressive, it will only cause the alcoholic to do the same. Try to remain calm and use a nonthreatening tone.

• Avoid Confrontations: While they are drunk, a confrontation will not be productive. Instead, wait until they are sober to confront them about their drinking. 

• Remove Yourself: If their aggression seems to be increasing, you should leave. Your safety is paramount.

These tips will give you the best chance of safely intervening. However, it cannot be overstated how important your safety is. Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation in an attempt to help an aggressive alcoholic.