Alcohol, drugs and domestic abuse
People often think that alcohol and mental illness can cause a person to be violent. Alcohol does not cause domestic violence and abuse, but there is evidence that where domestic violence and abuse exists, alcohol is often present. Most people who are mentally ill are not violent.
Although abusers are more likely to offend when they are under the influence of drink and drugs, these are not the cause of their abusive behaviour. There are many people who drink too much or take drugs who do not abuse their partners or family members. Also many people suffer domestic abuse when the abuser is not under the influence of drink or drugs at all.
Abusers sometimes use drink or drugs as an excuse for their behaviour. Simply saying they were drunk or don't remember does not take away their responsibility for their actions. Perpetrators who have a drink or drug problem should have both their substance abuse and their abusive behaviour addressed.
Those on the receiving end of domestic abuse may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of escaping from it. This can then be used by the perpetrator as an excuse for their abuse, claiming they have been provoked by their partner's addiction. It is important that the people are supported and the abuser held to account for their actions and not excused because of the partner's behaviour.
Support and information
Change Grow Live (CGL)
Norfolk Alcohol and Drug Behaviour Change Service is a free and confidential service for adults (including offenders), families, carers and affected others.
CGL offer a range of opportunities including workshops, brief interventions, structured groups and one-to-one key working sessions. They also have needle exchanges at their sites, where you can also get harm reduction advice, blood borne virus testing (including HIV and Hep C), naloxone training and access to other services.
Recovery teams are based across the county and include doctors, recovery coordinators, nurses, recovery champions, peer mentors and volunteers.
CGL always welcome new clients, so please get in touch if you are interested in getting help from the service or you'd just like to ask some questions. Feel free to bring someone with you on your first visit.
CGL are based at:
- Adobe house, 5 Barton Way, Norwich
- 148 Kings Street, Great Yarmouth
- 33 Railway Road, Kings Lynn, and
- Breckland House, St Nicholas Street, Thetford
You can call their central line on 01603 514096 or email norfolk.info@cgl.org.uk.
Adfam
www.adfam.org.uk
0207 553 7640
Email: admin@adfam.org.uk
Adfam offers guidance for families affected by someone else's drug or alcohol misuse through their website and an interactive map that can signpost people towards local family support groups.
Matthew Project
www.matthewproject.org
01603 216 420
Email: unity@matthewproject.org
Service for young people at risk of drug or alcohol misuse.
Matthew Project Unity Affected Others for Young People
www.matthewproject.org
0800 970 4866
Email: unity@matthewproject.org
The Affected Others is a 1:1 programme offered to young people where they need it (out in the community, home visits etc.) and will go on for as long as they require support. Young people can self-refer or professionals can refer. It is for young people affected by someone else's substance misuse, aged 19 years and under.