While all links are not necessarily causal relationships, the close association between two conditions often warrants attention. Such is the case regarding alcohol use and domestic violence, particularly among couples. Call 844.875.5609 to speak with someone from Promises about our couples counseling programs and alcoholism treatment programs across the United States.
What Is the Link Between Alcohol Use and Domestic Violence?
Alcohol use does not cause domestic violence, but the fact that it is so often present when domestic violence takes place deserves attention.
Shifting Blame and Responsibility
Men who batter their wives regularly frequently use drinking as an excuse for their wrong behavior. They say they would not have resorted to physical harm if they had not been drinking. Similarly, men with wives who drink often use that as an excuse for their own heavy-handedness—they need to use force to control their drunken wife, they say. In both cases, the husband uses alcohol to shift blame and responsibility away from himself.
Statistically speaking, most domestic disturbance events are somehow associated with alcohol consumption.
Setting the Stage for Unpredictable Situations
The presence of alcohol in situations where two people are in a heated disagreement does not help to soothe things. Alcohol’s connection to domestic abuse likely exists for a couple of reasons concerning how even a tiny amount of alcohol works in the human body:
- Alcohol impairs the normal function of the brain’s judgment and decision-making region – This means drinking hinders a person’s ability to think coolly and rationally. Imagine how misunderstandings and misperceptions occur under the best conditions when two people are at odds. Now, consider what those arguments would be like when one or both persons cannot reason clearly.
- Alcohol lowers a person’s natural inhibitions – Self-control is compromised when drinking alcohol. For some people, this may mean foolish behavior, but for others, removing natural restraints implies that if a sudden surge of anger takes hold, it may explode in any direction. This is not to say that the person is not responsible for their outbursts, only that unpredictable behavior becomes more likely in the presence of alcohol.
- A person does not need to be addicted to alcohol or even drunk for alcohol to contribute to domestic violence – Even a little drinking can produce the results described. Compromised judgment and lack of self-control do not cause violent disturbances, but they certainly make them more likely to occur.
A person is ultimately responsible for how they handle marital disagreements and their drinking behavior. Alcohol may not directly cause domestic violence, but it can help set the stage.
Getting Professional Help to Overcome Alcohol Abuse and Stop Domestic Violence
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use and domestic violence, professional help is available. At Promises, we provide comprehensive alcoholism treatment programs across the United States, couples therapy, and family therapy.
How Do Couples Counseling Programs Help?
At Promises, our couples counseling programs are designed to help partners learn how to communicate better and develop healthier relationship behaviors. They can learn how to understand the root causes of their violent behavior and commit to never using physical force in arguments or disagreements again. Couples therapy also helps them build trust, self-esteem, and respect for each other.
How Do Alcoholism Treatment Programs Help?
Promises also offers comprehensive alcoholism treatment programs across the United States. Alcoholism can contribute to domestic violence, so it’s essential to address both issues through counseling and medical help. Our team of addiction treatment specialists works with individuals to provide them with the tools they need to overcome their alcohol dependence and live healthier lives free from substance abuse.
Understand the Link Between Alcohol and Domestic Violence with Promises Behavioral Health
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use and domestic violence, contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 for more information about our couples counseling programs and alcoholism treatment programs across the United States. We’re here to provide individuals, families, and couples with quality care and support as they work towards a healthier lifestyle.