Does Alcohol Lead To Domestic Violence

Statistics seem to indicate a connection between alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence, but some researchers question the cause-and-effect relationship.

Studies of domestic violence frequently document high rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) involvement, and AOD use is known to impair judgment, reduce inhibition, and increase aggression. Alcoholism and child abuse, including incest, seem connected also.

On the surface it seems hard to argue with the numbers. Ninety-two percent of the domestic abuse assailants reported use of alcohol or other drugs on the day of the assault, according to a recent JAMA report.

Another study shows that the percentage of batterers who are under the influence of alcohol when they assault their partners ranges from 48 percent to 87 percent, with most research indicating a 60 to 70 percent rate of alcohol abuse and a 13 to 20 percent rate of drug abuse.

Battering is a socially learned behavior, and is not the result of substance abuse or mental illness, advocacy groups claim. "Men who batter frequently use alcohol abuse as an excuse for their violence. They attempt to rid themselves of responsibility for the problem by blaming it on the effects of alcohol," they say.

Alcohol does not and cannot make a man abuse a woman, but it is frequently used as an excuse. Many men drink and do not abuse anyone as a result. On the other hand many men abuse women when they are sober. It can be easier for some men and for some women to believe that the violence would not have happened if a drink had not been taken.

It's part of the denial process. Alcoholism and battering do share some similar characteristics -- both may be passed from generation to generation, both involve denial or minimization of the problem; both involve isolation of the family.

While Alcohol abuse may not be the cause for domestic violence, it does usually lead to the destruction of the family unit.  That in its self should be enough to get help in stopping the alcohol abuse.

If you find that you want to stop your alcohol abuse, contact us at Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center and we will design a personal program with you in mind.  This will start you on the road to an alcohol free life and assist in the rebuilding of your family unit.

Beer For Breakfast

Step One is the only step we have to do perfectly 100% of the time. The Big Book says we have to “concede to our inner most selves that we are an alcoholic”. Until we can concede we have to make a case for powerlessness out of attempts to control our drinking, the preoccupation, and the terrors we feel after a spree are all ways to present the case.

Alcoholism can lead to many other problems.  Eroding personal relationships, divorce and legal problems just to name a few. The twelve step program is a good, long tested approach to confronting an alcoholism problem.  The participants are guided by the “Twelve Steps,” outlining the course of action for recovery from addiction. The steps were first published in a 1939 book, which people inside the meeting call “The Big Book.”

Other 12-step programs, patterned on AA, now address addictions to other substances and to various types of destructive behavior. But AA remains best-known because alcohol addiction is such a big problem. It affects millions of people in the United States alone.

The tradition made sure there was a safe place where members could focus on recovery, you can talk about your personal experience using your real name, but you cannot talk about other members.  At meetings, participants share their stories using their first names. Bob C, a regular participant, shared his. “I am an alcoholic. I have been drinking for 32 years,” he said.  I used to get up every morning and have a nice cold beer for breakfast.

If you find yourself having a beer for breakfast, that is probably a sign that you could use a little help.  At Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center, we have a twelve step program for you.  Contact us today a begin the path to a stone cold sober recovery that will improve the quality of your life.

Beer Does Not Affect Me

Beer doesn’t affect me.  How often have you heard someone say this?  The truth is if someone is saying beer does not affect them then they probably have a problem with alcohol abuse.  Any type of alcohol will affect anyone who drinks it.  Alcohol consumption slows your reflexes to the point that if you are driving, by the time you realize you need to hit the brake, it may be too late.  This could have disastrous consequences.  Your reaction time is slowed with the consumption of just one beer.

If you find yourself saying that beer does not affect you, then you should consider that you may have a problem with alcohol abuse and need to look for some treatment.  Alcohol related deaths account for a large section of deaths in this country and  alcohol abuse can affect not only the person doing the consuming but also family workers, fellow workers, and those in the other car during an accident.

Alcohol abuse can also be very costly, when you consider attorney fees, court costs and probation fees associated with an arrest.  If a car is involved, you may also see a drastic rise in insurance costs.

At Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center, we have programs that are designed with you in mind.  Our goal is to help you recover from alcohol abuse.  We have inpatient and outpatient programs that will allow you to walk the road to recovery while meeting any and all family and work obligations.  Contact us today to see what we can do to help you.

What Is Alcohol Abuse ?

Alcohol abuse is any use of alcohol that harmful in any way.  Experts describe alcohol abusers as those who drink despite recurrent social, interpersonal, and legal problems as a result of alcohol use. Harmful use implies alcohol use that causes either physical or mental damage.

Alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism. While alcoholism is when you have signs of a physical addiction to alcohol and continue to drink despite physical health or mental health and social, family or job responsibilities.  Alcoholism can also control your life or relationships.

Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction.  Such problems could be drunk driving, public intoxication or leading to altercations with others who may or may not have been drinking.

Alcohol abuse could lead to a great financial drain as any arrest caused by drinking could lead to attorney fees, increased insurance costs, court fees and court ordered rehab costs.

If you are suffering from alcohol abuse and find yourself increasing your drinking and taking more chances, it may be time to seek some addiction help.  Take the time to talk to one of our counselors and see how we can design a program that is created with you in mind.  We will design a program that will give you the greatest chance of a relapse free recovery.  At Above It All Treatment Center, our purpose is to assist you in beating alcohol abuse and returning you to a stress and alcohol free life. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.