Drug and substance abuse is closely linked to domestic violence and often occurs concurrently. One is often a sign of the other, and in most instances, one causes the other. While they are related, there is none that always precedes the other. Drug abuse does not always lead to physical or emotional violence, and domestic violence is not always the cause of overindulgence in alcohol or drug use.
However, when drug and substance abuse happen concurrently with domestic violence, it could lead to devastating results on all individuals involved. While most people believe that substance abusers are primarily the aggressors, excessive alcohol and drug abuse increases the risk of the user being a victim of domestic violence. Drug abuse often makes people irritable and offensive leading to confrontations with family members and violence.
On the other hand, most victims of domestic violence get depressed and turn to alcohol and substance abuse, making them even more vulnerable to their aggressors. According to research, young adults who have experienced physical dating abuse are likely to present substance abuse and mental health disorders within six months of the traumatic event.
