How Alcoholism and Drug Abuse enable Sexual Abuse
The relationship between sexual abuse and drug abuse has been long established. As per the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) India recorded an average of 87 rape cases daily in 2019. Statista Research Department, Mar 10, 2021, revealed that of over 338 thousand cases of crime reported against women in India, above 33 thousand were for rape in 2018. That year more than 93 percent of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim. With an estimate of over 70% unreported reported rape cases in the country, it is an issue that continuously makes news headlines, some of them leading to public protests. Rapes in India still mark association of shame for the victim instead of the perpetrator. The rising number despite protests and stringent laws call for an immediate action.
While this is understood, the fact that 93% of the reported cases are not only carried out by acquaintances but also involve intoxication in some or the other form is heart wrenching. Both substance abuse and sexual abuse enable each other. Indian culture has been, in most ways, an intelligent form of living that ensures safety from diseases as well as social nuances for its people. Women drinking in social situations is considered a taboo in Indian culture with women being discouraged from drinking not only at family gatherings but also at business luncheons to date.
This is because women are at a higher risk of getting victimised than men after getting intoxicated. The percentage of male rapes accounting to anywhere between 5-10% is the proof of the same. Alcohol and drug use have been shown to increase vulnerability to violence via exposure to unsafe situations. Most Indian men still look at boozing girls as easily persuadable and in other cases boozing itself is deemed as indicative of a lack of character and openness for sex. Teens with drug abuse problems are 18-21 times more likely to be sexually abused. Once females undergo the trauma of rape, it becomes a vicious cycle because woman who have experienced sexual violence are more likely to continue abusing substances to cope with the trauma. In turn, people who abuse substances are at a higher risk to become victims of repeated sexual violence. This is how they fall in a pit deliberately.
The Actual Rape Trauma
Rape is the most overlooked from of trauma as it is deemed to be less tragic than the others. While the fact is that many victims are left with severely injured vaginas and lacerated rectums trying to recollect the happenings after the drugs took effect, others must live forever with the vague, traumatising memories of betrayal, incapacitation, lost motor skills and loss of control while being forcibly penetrated. The aftermath of victimisation may result in severe PTSD that symbolises flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, severe perspiration, permanent loss of confidence, self-blame, guilt and suicidal ideation. As if these consequences are not enough, the victims also need to go through the stigma associated around rape. The irony is that while the perpetrators in many cases will not end up in jails, the victims of sexual abuse are three times more likely than the average person to suffer from depression, and six times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders. Unfortunately, these victims cope with their trauma in unhealthy ways that again subject them to sexual abuse. All women are vulnerable to rape regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, marital status, socio-economic circumstances, neighbourhood, education, physical characteristics, or lifestyle.
How can drug abuse turn you into a perpetrator?
In early 1900s drugs indulgence was believed to enhance sexual experiences and hence used in therapy and during special occasions that improve couple relationships. With increased availability of hormone enhancers such as alcohol, cannabis, MDMA and cocaine that are notorious for increasing the libido, social gatherings and private parties have become situations that compel the crime. A recent study suggests that when it comes to combining drugs with sex (substance-linked sex), gender or sexual orientation doesn’t matter. Alcohol induced rapes know no barriers. These people may seem to be normal acquaintances or next-door guys until the drugs take effect and transpose them into blood sucking monsters who cannot take hold of their own sexual urge.
If you feel you are at risk because of your addiction or if you are already a victim trying to cope with your trauma, know that help is just a click away. Contact Phoenix Rehab for tailored programs that are formulated by expert clinicians and psychologists.
