Domestic Abuse And Addiction

Domestic Abuse And Addiction

For most of us when we hear “domestic abuse” we often think of a physical or sexual abuse. While this may be true for most cases, we often forget about emotional and psychological abuse. For many who deal with the physical abuse, they also suffer from the emotional and psychological abuse, but not all who suffer from emotional and psychological abuse also suffer from physical abuse. In any case, often a lot of the abuse is unseen. Many who have not suffered from domestic abuse say to themselves or to the victim, “why don’t you just leave?” It is often not that simple. There is a great deal of fear that has been instilled in them. Many also feel like they are not worthy of anything better. Over months and years of this kind of abuse their thoughts become shaped by the words and actions of the abuser. Often times, there is a cycle of abuse. Something is said or done by the abuser that causes hurt to the victim, but then they are showered with gifts or words of “affection” as an apology and the victim accepts this, until the next time. Many times these apologies by the abuser are guilt ridden. Saying things like, “I am so sorry, I just love you so much, but when you did/said that I was so angry/jealous/hurt.” Then the victim begins to think that if they hadn’t done “X” they wouldn’t have received the abuse. They begin to put the blame on themselves instead of the abuser. This can also lead to them feeling like even if they “left” and fell into another relationship, they would continue to receive the same treatment because it is “their fault.” Abusers may also say things that break down the victims self-esteem and self-worth, insulting their physical appearance or character, saying because of those “unattractive” qualities, no one else would want them, no one else would care for them as the abuser does. Many people who have not been victims of abuse do not see or understand these emotional and psychological wounds, they do not understand the fear and thinking of the victim. In an effort to escape the despair the victim feels, they may turn to substances to feel better about themselves, feel better about their situation, or to not feel the physical abuse as badly. They may be turning to substances to just “numb the pain,” all forms of the abuse not just the physical. Many of the victims suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. There is a direct link between these mental health issues and addiction. Many people who suffer with these mental health issues begin abusing substances and become addicted as they try to self-medicate. When someone is addicted to one or more substances and has a mental health disorder it is referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual-diagnosis. Treatment of drug and alcohol addiction is seldom as simple as merely addressing the particular chemicals an addict is taking into their body. More often than not, addicts suffer from other disorders in conjunction with their chemical dependency. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services says about 45% of U.S. citizens seeking treatment have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2014 approximately 7.9 million adults in America suffered from co-occurring disorders. Regardless of whether a co-occurring disorder exists simultaneously with substance abuse, or doesn’t begin to show itself until withdrawal, dealing with the disorder is just as important as dealing with the substance abuse. If co-occurring disorders are not properly treated, addicts are much more likely to relapse at a later date. A licensed clinical staff diagnoses co-occurring disorders and assists each client in developing an individualized treatment plan tailored to suit his or her specific situation.As a client progresses through their substance abuse treatment, they are also treated for their co-occurring disorder in a way that aids their overall recovery. Treatment centers also works with the family members of clients to help them understand the underlying co-occurring disorder. By giving them the knowledge and tools they need to deal with the disorder, they are much better equipped to help the client in his or her long-term recovery. Many victims fear telling anyone about the abuse and therefore do not know where to turn for help with the abuse or their own substance abuse. They fear that if they let someone know, they will receive a greater punishment from their abuser and so they often keep quiet. For anyone receiving treatment for substance abuse who was also a victim of domestic violence there are certain things that will occur. The facility will make sure their safety and confidentiality is ensured. If the patient is a part of an outpatient treatment they will recommend that she visits a battered women’s shelter or similar organization. They will also make sure she knows all her options available to her and develop a safety plan. They of course, will work with her on her substance abuse, any mental health issues, improving self-esteem, and seeing to any physical wounds or STD’s received by the abuser. If there is fear for a child left with the abuser, the treatment center can also help get them in touch with someone who can help and help them with the emotional turmoil this may bring. The therapy used in treatment can address all of these issues and the feelings surrounding them. There is help out there.

• The National Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233
• Utah Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-897-5465
• Recovery Ways Treatment Center: 1-877-633-4896

If anyone is in immediate danger call 911.