According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women experiences severe violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Many women who are victims of domestic violence also turn to substance abuse. Abuse victims often find it difficult to seek help at addiction treatment drug rehabs. This article will discuss domestic violence, how it may relate to addiction and how you may be able to find help at women’s rehab centers in North Carolina.
What is Domestic Violence?
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is “…a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” Domestic violence can take many forms including:
- Verbal abuse, name calling, etc.
- Sexual abuse
- Isolation
- Economic control
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, without regard for race, socioeconomic status, education or sexual orientation.
The abuser’s actions are sometimes motivated by their own sense of inadequacy. The abuser may have also learned the behavior in their own family or culture. Whatever the reason, the result is that the abuser is then motivated by a desire to control their partner.
Why Do Abuse Victims Stay in the Relationship?
People often wonder what could motivate a victim of domestic violence to stay in the relationship.
Often, the motivation is safety. The victim may worry that if they leave, the abuser will retaliate and hurt them even worse. The partner may even escalate and attack friends, family members, and even their children. There are also additional reasons that an abused woman may remain in a relationship:
- Fear of what others will think
- The victim may not realize it is unhealthy
- Cultural or religious demands
- Financial dependence, especially if children are involved
How Domestic Abuse and Substance Abuse are Connected
When a woman has been the victim of domestic violence she may develop mental health issues as well as physical injuries.
Victims of domestic abuse may develop mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. Victims often turn to alcohol or drugs and self-medicate. For example, a woman may begin drinking alcohol to deal with the shame and isolation of domestic abuse. A woman may also begin taking prescription medications such as codeine for her physical injuries or Xanax or Valium for anxiety.
In either case, substance abuse may begin innocently, then progress to a full-blown addiction to escape the trauma of domestic abuse. Substance abuse may cover the pain, making it even less likely that the victim will seek help either for the domestic abuse issue or the drug addiction at a women’s addiction treatment center, specializing in drug or alcohol abuse.
Women’s Rehab Centers In North Carolina
If you are the victim of domestic abuse and suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, it is crucial to get help. In North Carolina, there are several resources to help you get out of a domestic violence situation. The Domestic Shelters website provides information on resources such as shelters, how to get a protection order and other information. Other resources include:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
- The National Center for Victims of Crime
- Incite! Women of Color Against Violence
It is also critical to find help for your substance abuse issue such as at Asheville Rehabilitation Centers. Substance abuse rehabilitation centers offer assistance in overcoming your drug or alcohol abuse through counseling, withdrawal management, and dual diagnosis. If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence and suffering from substance abuse, seek help immediately at women’s rehab centers in North Carolina.
