STEP 8: Safety and Drug or Alcohol Use

The PDF version of Safety Planning contains all 8 steps  (224KB)

Many people use alcohol and drugs. Using illegal drugs and abusing alcohol or prescription drugs can be very hard on an abused woman physically and emotionally, and may hurt her relationship with her children and put her at a disadvantage in court. As well, the use of alcohol or other drugs can reduce a woman’s awareness and ability to act quickly to protect herself from her abusive partner. When considering drug or alcohol use, a woman needs to make specific plans.

You can enhance your safety by doing some or all of the following:

1. If you are going to use, you can do so in a safe place and with people who understand the risk of violence and who will look out for your safety.
2. If your partner is using, you should decide ahead of time what you will do to be as safe as possible.
3. Make a plan as to how you will keep your children as safe as possible.
4. If you are going to use, you can enhance your safety by deciding ahead of time that you will only consume a certain amount.

See the Resource List for information on support services for drug and alcohol addictions.

It’s also a good idea to think about some other things that can do that may increase your safety.

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