Stopping Cycles of Addiction and Violence

image of distraught injured woman leaning her head against window as she looks into the camera

Stopping Cycles of Addiction and Violence

Stopping Cycles of Addiction and Violence

domestic violence awareness month
You Can Get Away
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and one factor that really needs awareness is how much alcohol and drugs are involved in domestic violence. The numbers are overwhelming. They come down to this: If you are dealing with substance abuse, either yourself or for a loved one, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with domestic violence, too. The relationship is complicated. You can’t just say that alcohol or drugs makes someone turn violent or lose control. But they are part of the equation. Teasing one away from the other is not going to help. But even if you take the two together, remember this:  It. Is. Not. OK. Violence is not normal. You may have gotten to accept it, think that it is your cross to bear, but that’s not true. No one should have to deal with that. The websites for domestic violence come up on your computer with warnings about what to do if your computer use is monitored. They have quick escape buttons so you can quickly click away from the page if someone sees your screen. First impression is: ‘that’s a good idea,’ which it is. But it is not OK. It shouldn’t have to be. Abuse is never OK. There is nothing about alcohol or drugs that make violence more acceptable or dismissible, just more likely. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and self-control. More drinking increases both the risk of violence and the risk of being a victim of violence. Someone is drinking or doing drugs. There’s a good chance it’s part of a cycle: Child abuse turned to substance abuse in adulthood, then played out on an adult stage with domestic violence, possibly and tragically creating a new generation of child abuse. None of it is OK. None of it should go on. Don’t say ‘it is what it is.’ Get help. If you are around violence, get away and call someone. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. When you are safe, consider rehab for yourself or a loved one. Alcohol or drug rehab can break that cycle. It can stop addiction in its tracks and can stop domestic violence for generations to come. Call Stepping Stone at 866-957-4960 for help getting drug or alcohol rehab.