Substance Use by Women Using Domestic Violence Shelters

• NCJ Number: 224348
• Journal: Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 43 Issue: 8-9 Dated: 2008 Pages: 1129-1150
• Author(s): Nancy Poole; Lorraine Greaves; Natasha Jategaonkar; Lucy McCullough; Cathy Chabot
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the connections between stressors, substance use, and experiences of violence among women (n=125) who accessed help from domestic violence shelters in British Columbia, Canada, between October 2001 and June 2003.

Abstract

The study found that the women’s use of alcohol and other substances was connected to their experiences of stress in complex ways. Upon entry into the shelter, participants reported high levels of stress, notably due to financial concerns, relationships with partners, and housing issues. They also reported a high frequency of both physical and emotional abuse from their intimate partners. High levels of alcohol use were common during the 3 months prior to entering the shelter. High levels of stimulant and depressant use were also common. When asked about their motivations for alcohol use, the women frequently cited drinking as a means of managing or coping with their negative emotions. The majority reported drinking behaviors and attitudes that were indicative of alcoholism. Heavy alcohol use was apparently common among women who were experiencing violence, irrespective of the severity of the violence. Many changes were observed in both alcohol and other substance-use levels from Time 1 to Time 2. Generally, alcohol and stimulant use decreased significantly; whereas, the women’s use of depressants (other than alcohol) did not change significantly. The decrease in alcohol and stimulant use was evident in women who stayed in shelters with significant alcohol interventions. Shelter from violence is one component of the various supports substance-using women need to improve their lives. The majority of the women indicated that shelters provided necessary and valuable assistance, which corresponded with decreases in reported stress. The need to mitigate stress related to housing, income security, parenting, and other key life areas was evident. Recommendations for future research are offered. 10 tables, 3 figures, 28 references, and appendix