Substance Abuse & Violence

Substance Abuse and Violence:

A Complicated Relationship

The relationship between substance abuse and women is a complicated one at best. Some people seem to theorize that drugs and alcohol are the main causes of violence. This theory is untrue. What is true is that alcohol or drug use can increase the risk of violence. It is also true that alcohol or drug use also have an impact on how often violence occurs and how severe it is.

For example, a short-tempered man is more like to release his anger onto his significant other when he becomes intoxicated. He is also more likely to cause greater harm to the woman when he has been drinking. The use of alcohol can also impair his ability to control his impulses.

Part of the problem is addressing substance-related violence against women stemming from dealing with alcohol and drugs. Attempts to prohibit alcohol use have failed, and alcohol use has become common in American society (Rennison, 2000). It is rather unfortunate that alcohol use is often used to excuse behavior that is both hurtful and harmful. Often times, many men try to blame their violent behavior on their drinking.

There are some cases when individuals may be at risk for alcohol or drug abuse and violence due of to a combination of risk factors. Difficulty coping with life issues or attempting to control negative feelings can contribute to both substance abuse and violence.

Motives Leading to Substance Abuse and Violence

Alcohol is said to be the most widely used and abused drug in the United States today. Fourteen million people in the United States have alcohol problems (George, 1990). However, many people still do not think or feel that alcohol is a drug or that it may be deemed as harmful. The truth of the matter is that, even in small doses, alcohol can affect our behavior as well as our judgment. The use of alcohol often leads to violence.

Alcohol or drugs may be used to:

• Experience...