Drug Use Predictors of Partner Violence in Opiate-Dependent Women

Abstract

This paper examines the use of specific drugs as longitudinal predictors of violence between domestic partners in a sample of women in methadone treatment for opiate addiction. Crack cocaine use, use of other forms of cocaine, and tranquilizer use are each modestly to moderately positively associated with partner violence victimization. Women who were heavy users of these drugs were more likely to be hit, slapped, or shoved by their partners than light users or nonusers of these drugs. Three possible explanations of these associations are considered.