Alcohol Recovery and Domestic Violence

Among men who seek alcohol recovery, there are high rates of co-occurring alcohol dependence and intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, threats, and emotional abuse directed toward current and former spouses and dating partners. A sensible approach for alcohol treatment for these men would need to include interventions that address both drinking and violence.

Older Studies Show Drinking Increases Physical Abuse

Previous studies show that drinking increases physical abuse. In 2003, for example, Fals-Stewart (2003) conducted a study of 137 men which found that men who drink alcohol and have a predisposition for IPV are more likely to be violent on days when they drink alcohol. The study found that the odds of any male-to-female aggression were eight times higher on days when the men drink alcohol, versus days with no alcohol consumption. The chances of severe male-to-female physical aggression on drinking days was more than 11 times higher. The odds of any male-to-female violence on days of heavy drinking (six or more drinks within 24 hours) by male partners were more than 18 times higher, and the odds of severe violence on drinking days were more than 19 times higher. This study showed a significant relationship between men’s drinking and violence against their partners.

Newer Studies Associate Violence With Severe Impairments Among Men

A more recent study by Easton et. al. found that IPV is associated with more severe neuropsychological impairments among alcohol-dependent men (2008). The researchers followed 25 subjects in this pilot study. All participants in the study underwent a battery of neurocognitive tests including the Continuous Performance Test, California Verbal Learning Test, Digit Span, Iowa Gambling Test, Wisconsin Card Sort, Trail Making Test, Parts A & B, a visuospatial memory task, and the Stroop Color Word Test.

The results showed that alcohol-dependent men who reported IPV (IPV+) had more severe deficits in attention, concentration, and cognitive flexibility compared to controls. Compared to smoking controls, both IPV+ and IPV- groups of alcohol-dependent men exhibited more impairments on tasks of impulsivity. Preliminary results indicate that IPV+ alcohol-dependent men have more severe neurocognitive impairments than IPV- alcohol-dependent men.

The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption, Violence & Neurocognitive Deficits

What is the relationship between alcohol consumption, violence, and neurocognitive deficits? Heavy drinking appears to be a risk factor for domestic violence as well as neurocognitive problems. Could it be that men with certain neuropsychological problems are at higher risk of alcohol dependence and IPV? In any case, treatment providers should address the elevated risk of domestic violence for alcohol-dependent men in alcohol recovery.

It is important to note the neurocognitive impairments can result from several causes. Brain injuries, delayed brain development, emotional trauma, poor nutrition, brain disease or genetics are among that factors that might affect these impairments. Regardless of the source of the impairment, however, alcohol treatment is not likely to be effective unless the alcohol treatment provider assesses for and includes these neurocognitive impairments, and domestic violence, in the treatment plan.

References

Easton CJ, Sacco KA, Neavins TM, Wupperman P, George TP. Neurocognitive performance among alcohol dependent men with and without physical violence toward their partners: a preliminary report. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 2008; 34(1): 29-37.
 
Fals-Stewart, William. The occurrence of partner physical aggression on days of alcohol consumption: A longitudinal diary study. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 2003; 71(1): 41-52.