At this moment in history, in a society where drug addiction and domestic abuse usually go hand-in-hand and ruin many people’s lives, there’s a pressing need for support and legal protection. Now more than ever, it’s what the experts note. The text you’re about to read will explore the crucial structure intended to protect and give support to individuals caught up in the terrifying reality of both substance abuse and domestic violence. It will traverse the often difficult terrain where law meets the intensely personal struggles against addiction and domestic unrest; we’ll talk about everything, from statutory protections to substance abuse treatment. Our main goal for today is to promote greater awareness, compassion, and action in defending the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable.
Relationship Between Substance Abuse And Domestic Violence
Before we dig deeper into today’s main topic, let’s consider the statistics on the intricate relationship between substance abuse disorder and domestic violence: what do the facts say?
One study first published in the Frontiers journal suggests that domestic violence (or intimate partner violence), which often includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, takes a heavy toll on a person’s both mental and physical health. It’s not something rare for those facing domestic violence (or intimate partner violence) to turn to various substances as a coping mechanism. For women enduring violence in the household, this can result in a slippery slope toward substance use disorder (SUD), worsening their mental and physical well-being.
Adding to the complexity, many individuals who suffer from domestic violence also suffer from brain injuries. This makes them even more susceptible to substance misuse and, eventually, developing SUD. These interconnected issues of substance abuse, mental health, and brain injury significantly boost the risk of further victimization.
What about the perpetrators?
Of course, besides the victims, we also have to consider individuals conducting the violence and their issues with substance abuse. When an individual heavily relies on substances like drugs and alcohol, it heightens the likelihood of them perpetrating domestic violence (or intimate partner violence). Research studies have shown that consuming drugs or alcohol or both can significantly mess with an individual’s ability to manage their aggressive tendencies. Therefore, if there’s already some trouble in the household, adding drugs and alcohol to the mixture can only make things even more volatile and harmful; if one or both partners are fond of heavy drug and alcohol use, the likelihood of physical violence increases by 11 times.
Legal Protection And Support
Effective intervention in the case of domestic violence involves:
- Identifying victims.
- Acknowledging the cause of their injuries.
- Providing information about available legal and community resources.
Here, we’ll focus on that last bit.
Legal rights and protection for US citizens or immigrants experiencing domestic violence
If you’re having some concerns, know that, regardless of legal status, any individual who experiences domestic violence in the US has the right to seek help and protection. Therefore, if you reach out to law enforcement for assistance, their main responsibility is to ensure you’re safe and not report your immigration status to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You’re able to seek protection by requesting a no-contact restraining order from the court or the police, regardless of your immigration status.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offers housing protection for individuals affected by domestic violence. Besides supporting the victims of domestic violence, VAWA’s housing protections extend to individuals who have (also) experienced sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking, regardless of their relationship to the perpetrator or when the violent act occurred.
As was the case above, survivors can apply for VAWA support regardless of their immigration status. These safeguards apply whether they are seeking shelter, transitional housing, or permanent housing subsidized by federal homeless assistance or affordable housing programs. VAWA ensures protection for survivors regardless of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, as well as that of the perpetrator.
Once a person is out of the strains of a relationship that includes domestic violence, the second most important task is to free them from the chains of addiction.
Seek Assistance From A Treatment Center
The most effective way to treat substance abuse post-trauma is to seek treatment within a secure institution. Finding treatment options that are reliable and suit your particular needs is essential. A great example of a facility with comprehensive treatment options is the reputable Level Up Treatment Lake Worth, commonly known as We Level Up Lake Worth FL. It’s the leading treatment center in Florida, providing residents from the Sunshine State with a great, safe solution. At We Level Up, an individual going through both domestic violence recovery and SUD treatment can enjoy a supportive environment for tackling drug and alcohol addiction. The institution doesn’t use the one-size-fits-all approach, as the treatment process is always tailored to meet the specific needs of patients and their unique environment.
From proven medication-assisted therapies to alternative methods and post-treatment support activities, the aforementioned center ensures effective addiction treatment. Keep in mind that if you or your loved one or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can always contact the US National Domestic Violence Hotline. Simply dial 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Trained professionals are available 24/7 to provide confidential assistance, safety planning, and resources tailored to meet your situation. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and that help is just one phone call away.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve delved into various aspects of addressing substance abuse and domestic violence and their intersection. From recognizing the importance of seeking help and understanding the legal rights of each individual living in the US to exploring SUD treatment approaches, it’s pretty evident that comprehensive support is crucial. Whether we’re talking about accessing resources, seeking shelter from intimate partner violence, or pursuing treatment, individuals affected by these issues deserve the highest level of assistance.
Author’s bio:
Lauren Barry is a licensed marriage and family therapist, an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) approved therapist, and a qualified supervisor with years of experience in the industry. Today, she is a part of the We Level Up Lake Worth FL team, a facility that offers targeted therapy and support for individuals battling addiction and mental health challenges. In her free time, she shares her knowledge and expertise on related subjects to help spread mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help.
