If you live with an alcoholic, you may live with domestic violence as well. Many people that drink can become violent if they get upset. This might not be the case for some, but when a person drinks, it changes how they think. The sad thing about domestic violence where an alcoholic is concerned is that they may never display this type of behavior when they are not drinking. However, even the mildest mannered person can show signs of an entirely different person when drinking. You have to walk on eggshells when you live with someone that drinks.
The first time you are hit, may be the only time for a while, but you cannot let your guard down ever. The apologies and kindness that follows may be comforting. Nevertheless, what happens the next time the alcoholic gets angry? You could be the fault of this as well. Sometimes you do not even have to be the root of the anger and you will still be the one that is abused. Domestic violence that continues will mean that other steps must be taken.
Calling the police can aggravate a situation, but you have to get help. If you are abused, you have to report it. If this type of behavior continues, the person will be made to seek help. They might even spend some time in jail, but they will get the help that they need. It is better to call for help than let things escalate and endanger your safety more. Judges are very helpful when sentencing time arrives. You can even talk to the prosecutor to make sure that the person receives the help that they need through a treatment program.
You need a time out away from each other. This is vital when you live with an abusive alcoholic. This means physical, mental or verbal abuse. No one should have to live with any type of abuse. If you are abused, then you need to call the police for help. The alcoholic will know that you are not going to take the abuse and the judge will know that the person needs help with his or her drinking and anger management. If you continue to let the abuse continue, you are putting your own life in danger. Just because the person is only hitting you once and a while in the back, arms or legs, does not mean that one day they will not snap and try to harm you more, or maybe even try to kill you.
Take your time and may sure that you really want him or her back home. After living with an abusive alcoholic that has gone to treatment, you still have to make sure that you can go back. If you have resentment and hatred for the person, you will not be able to live a happy life. If the person has stopped drinking, he or she may start again because of the tension in the home. You have to think long and hard before letting that person come back.
Even if an alcoholic gets help and learns to control their anger, you still may have to keep your guard up, which can lead to tension. This is not healthy for anyone including any kids in the home. You have to be sure that the abuse will not continue. You need reassurances that you might not get.