Effects of Treatment for Substance Use Problems on Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Empirical Data

• NCJ Number: 232187
• Journal: Aggression and Violent Behavior: A Review Journal Volume: 15 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2010 Pages: 325-333
• Author(s): Christopher M. Murphy; Laura Ting
• Date Published: September 2010
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01AA013716
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This review of empirical data examined whether, and to what extent, treatment for substance use problems is associated with reductions in partner abusive behavior.

Abstract

Population and clinical studies document an association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use problems. The current review addressed the question whether, and to what extent, treatment for substance use problems is associated with reductions in partner abusive behavior. Data from naturalistic studies were used to examine the prevalence and frequency of IPV among stably remitted versus relapsed cases after treatment, and factors that may explain observed reductions in partner violence. On average, the prevalence of IPV as 2-3 times higher before substance use treatment than after treatment, and the relative risk for IPV after treatment was 2-3 times greater for relapsed versus remitted cases. Small to moderate effect sizes were observed for reductions in the frequency of IPV after substance use treatment, with large effects observed for reductions in psychological aggression. Both reduced alcohol consumption and improved relationship functioning appear to account for observed reductions in partner abuse. Tables and references (Published Abstract)