The worst effects of substance abuse are often missed in the big picture,

cloaked underneath layer upon layer of other complicated issues. When

brought up in conversation, drug or alcohol addictions are talked about in
correspondence to other rough symptoms; stealing from family members,
dropping all other priorities The list is endless, talked about often, but not
always fully understood. Much less when it ties to another seemingly
untouchable issue, like that of domestic violence.
It is hard enough to admit a personal fault, and even more difficult to
confess extensive damage to a family unit. Substance abuse often becomes an
escape from the real world. The toxicity of an addiction is embraced as a
numbing agent to, perhaps, help get through another brutal struggle of some
sort, or to not deal with other pending problems. This serves double the
damage to addicts and their loved ones; families get torn apart. An unhealthy
codependency to substances leads to detrimental family and partner
relationships. The issue is not entirely, in the end, the substance abuse itself,
but the other forms of abuse that occur because of it, particularly domestic
abuse.
Substance abuse is not rarely nor shyly linked to violence, dangerous
statistics run rampant; 86 percent of homicide offenders, 37 percent of

assault offenders, 60 percent of sexual offenders all connected to the same

issue, and the data doesnt become any better in homes, according to the
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, up to 57 percent of
men and 27 percent of women involved in marital violence, and 13 percent of
child abusers are substance abusers. The correlation is clear, and so too is
the problem. If the source is not mended, neither are the complications that
flow from it. The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition reported 3,751 domestic
violence charges filed in the years 2010 through 2011, with the number
mounting statewide by year. Meanwhile, both state and public organizations
are put in place to counter the issue, as steps to better development.
However, many are often unaware of the resources available to them
until its too late, or it is presented to them by ways of a court and judge. The
needlessness of this is not illusive. Moreover, it is general knowledge that the
longer an addiction has to take hold, the more deep-rooted it becomes and is
more difficult to recover. The danger of misinformation, or the lack of it
altogether, is not exclusive to treatment, and even stems into the perception
of both issues. It is near impossible to fix domestic issues when the involved
are still dependent on drugs, not entirely sure the extent of the treatment they
need, and also not aware of how they can obtain said treatment. With this

need presented, the solution seems simple and crystal clear; make supported
statistics on the correlation between domestic and substance abuse, as well as
treatment options, known statewide. But whom is to do that, and how is it to
be done?
Mediums to exchange information are plentiful and fruitful in nature.
Theres word of mouth, commercials, and flyers as a starting point. To get
far, sufficient backing is needed to properly reach the entire community and
remain prevalent for lasting time. An easy answer to meet this calling of
necessity would be to conjoin with the relevant organizations already in
place. Support from groups such as the Utah Coalition to Stop Drug Dealer
Profits and the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, for example,
would lead to an increased ear-range for answers concerning the topic. The
greatest benefit, not counting enormous savings in courts, would be the
healing of communities and families.
The DDV (Drugs and Domestic Violence) website,
http://drugsanddomesticviolence.weebly.com/ aims to help make this happen,
with a periodical 90-day reviewing period, the average time it takes to beat an
addiction, in which progress is surveyed and plans updated to fit time and
state needs.

Indeed, impulse and other mental disorders contribute heavily to

reliance on drugs and/or alcohol, and should be addressed in rehabilitation
programs. Drugs and Domestic Violence also seeks to end perception that
intermingling does not happen between the two, and includes informative
statements on mental factors as part of its mission goal to reach the public
with necessary material. Local treatment centers, such as the Alpine
Recovery Lodge, are not specifically linked to DDV, but are supported and
considered to be vital to the purpose.
The DDV ultimately chooses to pursue public awareness in recognition
of its massive value to the effort to fight substance and domestic abuse in
Utah. In a country surrounded by cheer and glory for substance abuse, it is
imperative that educational outreach and opposing information be there to
fight it. Drugs and alcohol can breed ugly results, but many still see even the
worst of it as good fun. The solution? Inform people. Let them in on the
reality. After all, the first step to solving any dilemma is acceptance. The
second, treatment.
In summary, Drugs and Domestic Violence provides data on ties between
substance abuse & domestic violence, and supportive resources for those
seeking help. As well as links to organizations skilled in providing a helping

hand and valuable programs. As well, we welcome joining efforts with

relating organizations.
In the end, the betterment of an individual makes for the betterment of an
entire community.
Thank you,
The Love Shouldnt Hurt Group