Drugs, Alcohol and Abuse
Unfortunately, being intoxicated from the use of drugs and alcohol may put you in situations where abusive partners may try to take advantage of you; they may also try to get you intoxicated for the purpose of taking advantage of you while you’re unable to give consent.
Risk factors to consider when using drugs or alcohol include:
Emotions that may be stronger than usual or change quickly.
Bad or unsafe situations developing further, including an abusive partner’s escalation of force.
Individual or family histories of addiction among you or your partner(s).
Potential challenges leaving a bad or unsafe situation, including not being able to drive or find a trusted ride home, unfamiliarity with your surroundings, difficulty remembering important information, or fear of other people finding out about your situation.
Abusive partners often blame their behavior on drugs or alcohol to avoid claiming responsibility for their actions or to obscure the reasons they abuse. While drugs and alcohol do affect a person’s judgement and behavior, they’re never a justification for abuse. Your partner’s actions while under the influence are still a manifestation of their personality, and if they’re violent while intoxicated, they’re likely to eventually become abusive while sober.
Common excuses used by abusive partners to justify their behavior include:
I was drunk, I didn’t mean it.
I’d never do that sober.
That’s not who I really am—drinking makes me a different person.
Many people who experience abuse use drugs and alcohol to cope with the symptoms of trauma. If you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, help is available.
Our advocates are ready to answer your call and identify services and resources to support your needs. Contact us 24/7 to discuss your situation and receive informed support.