The Dangerous Connection Between Teen Dating Violence & Substance Use

February 12, 2026

Love is in the air and it's a perfect time to reflect on our relationships with ourselves and others.

This week's episode with Cafecito con Conciencia on KROJ 101.5 FM, we shifted our conversation on a topic that is often overlooked: teen dating violence. As a current Public Health student at California State University Northridge, I researched the dangerous connection between teen dating violence & substance use.

The National Institutes of Health shares that, "substance abuse lowers inhibition and impairs judgement, which increase the risk of violent behaviors" (Khan & Akram, 2025). In other words, the misuse of substances such as: alcohol, marijuana, or vaping products make it difficult for individuals to control impulsive actions, including pre-existing aggressive or abusive tendencies. Also when inhibition is lowered it makes it challenging to recognize emotional abuse, verbal abuse or even sexual pressure.

Finally, I discussed how substances can be used as a form of control within an abusive relationship. As noted by the National Institutes of Health, "an abuser may manipulate a victim’s access to substances, using their dependency as leverage to maintain power and dominance" (Khan & Akram, 2025). This dynamic can occur in teen relationships as well, where intimate partners may mistake these controlling behaviors for signs of “love,” when in reality they are forms of abuse. It is simply a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

So overall, we can see how substance abuse and intimate partner relationships can go hand in hand. Here is a few Tips we found useful when encountering teen dating violence:

For Adults with a teen

• Create a space for open and honest conversations about intimate partners.

• Share an age-appropriate personal experience and then gently reflect on it together, inviting them to share their thoughts.

• Learn more about the person they are dating while respecting their boundaries.

For Teen's

• Start a Journal where you reflect about your relationship, or just random things that happened throughout your day.

• Spend a day outdoors with friends.

• Get in touch with your loved ones like parents, cousins, siblings, or friends.

Regardless if you are in a relationship or not our message to you is that; you deserve to feel safe, respected, and heard. If you feel anxious or scared, that feeling matters. Reaching out for support shows strength and helps you find clarity in difficult times. At Pueblo y Salud we offer just that! Come stop by the San Fernando location were we can provide you resources that will guide you to make good choices.

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References:

Khan, A., & Akram, M. (2025). Understanding and addressing intimate partner violence: A comprehensive review. Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine, 20, Article 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13010-025-00175-1