How Are Addiction and Domestic Violence Related?
Just like anyone else who is oppressed and in a torturous situation, victims of domestic abuse yearn and long to be released from their plight. Unfortunately, many turn to bad habits as a form of release, since they are too afraid to seek help from anyone else. This is how many victims of domestic violence develop an addiction.
In many cases, the abusers themselves also fuel the addiction, as they could either be addicted to the same substance themselves, or they use the habit as a way to ensure that the victim stays in the abusive situation.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Relationship?
The relationship between a victim of domestic violence and their abuser is a sad and tragic one. Many victims become so emotionally and mentally disturbed that they begin to accept their fate and believe that their place is with the abuser. Others live in fear of their abuser, and only stay with them for fear of their lives, or of their children, if they have any.
For those who went through domestic violence growing up, it could leave emotional scars and long-term damage. This could later manifest when a specific trigger comes up, or when the victim is stressed in a way that makes them relive their past abuse.
In any of these cases, victims of domestic violence often have a difficult time with relationships. Any kind of stress could bring up past hurts and make the victim act irrationally, which could very well drive away anyone they are in a relationship with.
Why are People Commonly Stuck in Abusive Relationships?
A strange and very damaging relationship often exists between the victim of domestic violence and their abuser. In most instances, the abuser creates an environment where the victim’s will is completely broken, so that it is the will of the abuser that is dominant.
Many victims of abuse long to be free of their abuser, although they often see themselves as being too broken to live a normal life outside of the abusive one. This is why not too many victims willingly seek help even when the opportunity presents itself.
Very few are able to get free of this cruel codependency, and many abusers also make sure that their victims are not able to leave even if they try. The abuser keeps their victims close by limiting their access to resources, getting them addicted to something only the abuser could provide, or threatening them or their loved ones.
Is There Help for Victims of Domestic Violence and Addiction?
Thankfully, there is. Chapters Recovery Center is dedicated to providing a lasting solution, because people deserve to live a good life. We took the time and effort to find out how to help people achieve long-term sobriety, because we understand how difficult it is for people to get there.
You don’t have to live with the problems that come with addiction, such as domestic violence and everything else that comes with it. Talk to our professionals now, so you can start getting better yourself.