Emerging Issues in the World
Emerging issues in the world have taken a divergent scope influenced by the ever dynamic life of man. It is quite clear that observable steps can be seen when it all started to the war against servitude during the dark ages, military demonstration in the era of making thrones and dynasties that eventually led to political and economic motivation to prowess. Later with time things took another turn with inventions calling, technology, and now in recent times with the empowered woman of today who can voice out her grievances calling for an end to alcoholism, drug abuse and its influence to family violence (Straussner, Shulamith, and Christine, 2006).
The Relationship Between Drug Abuse and Family Violence
While drug abuse is maladaptive use of drugs and alcoholic substance that alters the way the mind and body functions, family violence commonly known as domestic violence can be defined as abusive behaviours by either one or both partners in a marital relationship (Romito, 2008). Domestic violence takes forms including physical aggression or abuse, threats, stalking, intimidation, domination, and neglect.
The Importance of the Family Structure
Given the importance attached to the family structure and institution, any course of action that threatens its harmonious existence is of utmost importance to everyone ranging from citizens and the government set up. The family acts as a reproduction unit, emotional relief center while at the same time acting as primary socialization for children (Mersky, 2006).
The Impact of Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Family Violence
No one would want to raise kids in a family without peace, in an abusive and demoralizing environment that will only cause rebellion and a generation haunted by the absence of moral. The big question of whether alcohol and drug abuse is the major cause of family violence makes the topic more appealing. Barret, Meisner, and Stewart in their book What Befalls Family after Spousal Drug Use (1999) have mentioned how drug abuse and alcoholism has a direct relationship to family chaos and how it is the major cause of domestic skirmishes. Both of these authors explain the extent to which the vice has penetrated our society today. This is very crucial in analyzing, understanding, and developing a coping mechanism of drug abuse and negative effects on one's spouses or family members (Hien and Nina, 1998). With the evidence of such research findings, it is only wise if the problem is handled when it can be contained. This provides justification and automatic relevance for the study on drug abuse and alcoholism and its consequences of domestic violence in order to eradicate it or put across preventative measures where possible (Engel, 2004).
The Relationship Between Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Domestic Violence
That said, however, it cannot be ignored that alcoholism and drug abuse is not always associated with family violence. It is often heard that someone's partner is only violent when they are drinking. Unfortunately, this argument seldom holds water. Larry Bennett, Ph.D., licensed social worker, and professor at the Indiana University School of Social Work, "a malefactor who quits drinking and substance abuse is a sober batter" (White, Boyle, and Loveland, 2002). Bennett further argues that alcoholism and drug abuse do not cause domestic violence any more than poverty, depression or trauma history does, which is only expressed in the state of intoxication. According to the Women's Rural Advocacy Program, no evidence supports a cause and effect relationship between the two problems, but rather domestic violence is a learned behavior and is not the result of substance abuse (Fantuzzo et al., 1997).
The Impact on Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Whether alcohol and substance abuse are linked to being the source of most family violence or not, being in the best state of our faculties is of utmost importance if sober judgment is to be delivered. Our everyday chores and routines need execution with intelligence and certainty which cannot be achieved under the influence without forgetting that our children are the direct replica of our behavior to build their personality. The National Coalition against Domestic Violence (2015) reported that, in the United States alone, one in fifteen children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, exposing them to psychological torture (Reiter, 2014).
The Negative Effects of Substance Abuse on Family Instability
The discussion about substance abuse and family instability cannot be complete without highlighting the observable negative effects of intoxication. From accidents on our roads, many young, energetic, and able lives claim that would have contributed to the betterment of the world. Destruction of property during home violence includes acts of arson and physical injury to the victims (Ver Steegh, 2004). Health issues occur as side effects with withdrawal symptoms haunting in the case of quitting, without forgetting the cost burden that comes with drug abuse and alcoholism. With all those factors put together, it is high time we bow to the pressure and look into the matter with the seriousness it deserves before things get out of hand.
Works Cited
Engel, John W. Global Perspectives in Family Therapy: Development, Practice, Trends. Family Relations 53.4 (2004): 414-415.
Fantuzzo, John, et al. Domestic violence and children: Prevalence and risk in five major US cities. Journal of the American Academy of child " Adolescent psychiatry 36.1 (1997): 116-122.
Hien, Denise, and Nina M. Hien. Women, violence with intimates, and substance abuse: Relevant theory, empirical findings, and recommendations for future research. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse 24.3 (1998): 419-438.
Mersky, Joshua P. Impact of Substance Abuse on Children and Families: Research and Practice Implications, by Shulamith Lala Ashenberg Straussner and Christine Huff Fewell
(Eds.) Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, 2006, 199 pp. Paper, $19.95. ISBN: 078903344-4."
Reiter, Michael D. Substance abuse and the family. Routledge, 2014
Romito, Patrizia. A deafening silence: Hidden violence against women and children. Policy Press, 2008.
Straussner, Shulamith Lala Ashenberg, and Christine Huff Fewell. Impact of substance abuse on children and families: Research and practice implications. Routledge, 2006.
Ver Steegh, Nancy. Differentiating types of domestic violence: Implications for child custody. La. L. Rev. 65 (2004): 1379.
What do childhood anxiety disorders predict? Journal of Child Psychology and psychiatry 48.12 (2007): 1174-1183. Family Relations 53.4 (2004): 414-415.08): 550-552.
White, William L., Michael Boyle, and David Loveland. Alcoholism/addiction as a chronic disease: From rhetoric to clinical reality. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 20.3-4
(2002): 107-129.
