Domestic abuse

When a person with MCS is subjected to ongoing chemical exposures by the people they live with or near—like in an apartment complex or in their own home—that person is being subjected to domestic assault, to the degree that the exposures are intentional or negligent. It s very demeaning and it undermines the confidence of the person with chemical sensitivities in a way that s very similar to what happens to victims of conventional domestic abuse. The insults and blows happen to people with chemical sensitivities and environmental illness on a daily basis, sometimes on an hourly basis. 

On appeal, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed by a 2-1 majority that the Second Amendment conferred an individual right. However, the judges found that the right was not absolute, and that restricting it in cases of domestic abuse was reasonable. 

During the 19th century, public drunkenness was probably even more common a sight than it is today. Alcohol was blamed for breaking up many families and driving others into poverty as male breadwinners succumbed to the drug, which also exacerbated domestic abuse. 

There are many instances when a family member (collateral) will seek help for a problem before the person with the drug problem does. Often, however, the family member will not be forthcoming about the drug problem, or it will not be otherwise obvious that drug abuse is indirectly involved. Excellent examples of these types of situations include the family members seeking help as victims of domestic violence or parental neglect, or are injured in accidents. 

There are major consequences of alcoholism, from child abuse to domestic or public violence to traffic accidents and from cirrhosis to hypertension. Mean life expectancy of alcohol abusers is around 55 years. Alcohol seems involved in several hundred thousand deaths each year in Europe, with considerable added social and health care costs. This is in clear contrast with the little attention paid to the treatment of alcohol dependence and abuse. It is important to note that there is an increasing knowledge of similar effects on driving etc. from other psychoactive substances, particularly from the seda-tive/tranquillizer drugs and antihistamines. 

Gun Ownership Tied to Higher Risk for Women s Murder, Suicide. American Medical News, vol. 40, April 21, 1997, p. 18. Reports a study that identified risk factors for death of women by murder or suicide. Guns are the most common cause of death, and mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence are all important factors. The article recommends encouraging people to store guns safely or to remove them from the household and supports laws that forbid gun purchase by convicted batterers. 

Wife-Abusing Cops Ojf Our Backs, vol. 27, February 1997, p. 3. Describes new regulations that will take away guns from persons convicted of domestic violence crimes—even law enforcement officers. 

After heart disease and cancer, alcohol-related disorders are considered the third most important health problem in the United States, estimated to account for at least one fourth of all hospitalizations in this country. Almost 50% of those who suffer from alcohol dependence also abuse other legal and illicit drugs (see Appendix D). Alcohol is involved in 25% to 35% of all suicides and 50% to 70% of all homicides it also figures prominently in accidental deaths and domestic violence (388, 389). Furthermore, causes of death resulting from excessive alcohol use include the following ... 

September Under President Gerald Ford the Domestic Council Drug Abuse Task Force issues a report that recommends that enforcement be concentrated on the most dangerous drugs such as heroin, amphetamines, and barbimrates, while marijuana should be given a low priority. November 25 After Colombian police seize an unprecedented 600 kilos of cocaine at the Cali airport. Drug traffickers assert their power by killing 40 people in the city in one weekend. 

Over 50% of Americans who currently drink report having a close relative who abuses alcohol 25% are children of an alcoholic parent. Alcohol abuse can devastate families by causing separation, divorce, and domestic violence, as well child abuse and neglect. Six million children live with an alcohol-abusing parent, and this can result in problems at school such as low attendance, academic difficulties, attention deficit disorders, and behavioral problems. Each year in America, more than 100,000 people die from alcohol-related accidents (cars, falls, fires, drownings, burns), cancer, liver disease, and stroke. 

Amphetamine abusers and addicts become preoccupied with when and where they will be able to get their next dose. Relationships with family and friends frequently deteriorate as the drug takes center stage in the addict s life. Money problems may began to surface as the addict funds his growing habit. Substance abuse also contributes to crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, drop-out rates, unemployment, and homelessness. It is also a factor in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy. 

Suicidal thoughts or plans Problematic use of alcohol or drugs Domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse... 

Mood swings can lead to serious problems such as suicide attempts and suicide. Symptoms that often plague clients with bipolar disorders include suicidal ideation, violent behaviors leading to child abuse and domestic violence, major difficulties in functioning on the job, erratic behaviors, severe fluctuations in mood, psychomotor agitation, increased... 

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