Addiction and Suicide

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Addiction and suicide are heavy topics, but they’re conversations we need to have.

The relationship between these two issues is a complicated one. The pain and despair that often drives people toward substance abuse also fuels suicidal behavior.

The reverse is true as well. Those plagued with suicidal thoughts turn to substances to drown the noise.

It’s a tough spot to be in, stuck between a rock and a hard place. But there’s always hope—for recovery, healing, and finding a reason to keep going, even in the darkest times.

In this article, we’ll explore the connection between substance use disorder and suicidal behavior. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to prevent and treat these mental health problems.

Understanding Addiction and Suicide

Addiction and suicide are mental health issues that often intersect in devastating ways. To understand their connection, let’s first understand why each is a serious concern on its own:

Suicide

Addiction

Addiction is a chronic but treatable mental health disorder characterized by an uncontrollable pattern of substance use. It changes the brain in a way that makes it difficult to stop using a substance, even when it causes problems.

Here are some common signs of addiction:

  • Needing more and more of a substance to feel a certain way
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back or quit
  • Spending more time alone and less time with friends and family
  • Having a hard time quitting despite wanting to
  • Seeking prescriptions from different doctors for opioid painkillers
  • Turning to illegal sources to get a fix
  • Getting into trouble with the law due to drug use

Suicide

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people. The numbers are alarming: nearly one in four high school students and about 14% of young adults have contemplated suicide.

Suicide is a complex issue. It’s often the result of a combination of factors that build up over time and ultimately push someone to breaking point.

Risk Factors

Below are factors that increase a person’s risk of suicide:

  • Alcohol and drug abuse
  • Previous suicide attempts or self-harm
  • Loss of a loved one or divorce
  • Schizophrenia, PTSD, psychosis, or other mental illnesses
  • Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder
  • Chronic pain or debilitating illnesses
  • Criminal or legal problems
  • Job loss or financial hardships
  • Past and present trauma (physical or sexual abuse)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Violent relationships or other relationship troubles
  • Being a victim of bullying
  • Social isolation

Keep in mind that not everyone who experiences these signs will attempt suicide. But it’s important to understand these risk factors to figure out when someone is struggling.

Additionally, self-harm isn’t always an attempt to end one’s life. Sometimes, people hurt themselves to numb negative emotions or simply to feel something, even if that feeling is pain. It could also be a cry for help.

Warning Signs

Watch for these warning signs that someone is contemplating suicide:

  • Talking or posting on social media about wanting to die
  • Escalating alcohol or drug use
  • Exhibiting extreme mood swings
  • Withdrawing from family or friends
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
  • Giving away prized possessions or making final arrangements
  • Talking about being a burden to others and feeling of worthlessness
  • Researching ways to commit suicide
  • Increased anxiety, agitation, or rage
  • Insomnia

If you see warning signs of suicide and self-harm, take them seriously. Reach out if you’re concerned about someone’s safety—you might save a life.

Protective Factors

Equally important is to recognize conditions that can protect people from suicide, including:

  • A positive self-image and a clear sense of direction in life
  • Coping skills and emotional regulation
  • Strong support from family, friends, and community
  • Access to mental health care
  • Participation in social activities and community events
  • Limited access to firearms and other means of self-harm

The Deadly Intersection Between Addiction and Suicide

Substance use is present in a substantial portion of suicide deaths. Studies show that suicidal behavior is most common in people with alcohol and opioid use disorders.

Easy access to prescription drugs, substance use, and exposure to suicidal behaviors are significant risks for teen suicide. Also, alcohol dependence accounts for an increasing number of suicide deaths in women.

But why are addiction and suicide so closely linked? Substance abuse clouds your judgment, which can lead to impulsive actions.

It can snowball into various problems, including financial troubles, job loss, and homelessness, causing despair and hopelessness. As problems pile up, you may feel trapped and believe suicide is the only way out.

Opioid Addiction and Suicide

Of all forms of addiction, opioid addiction is most likely to end up in suicide. In 2023, opioid overdose claimed over 84,000 American lives.

It’s impossible to know for sure how many of these deaths are intentional. However, one study found a strong connection between the frequency and dosage of prescription opioids and the likelihood of suicide attempts. Consider the following findings:

  • Patients taking long-term high doses of opioids were at a higher risk compared to the general population.
  • The risk was even more elevated when the patient also had mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.
  • Patients with chronic pain who were not consistently taking prescription opioids had higher rates of suicidal behavior.

On the last point, the theory is that the sedative effects of opioids can sometimes help get anxiety-induced suicidal behavior under control. So, the picture is a lot more complex than just saying that opioids sweepingly increase suicide risk.

Opioid addiction continues to be a public health crisis. Healthcare professionals face the challenging task of balancing pain management with the risks of opioid addiction and suicide.

One thing is clear, though—a careful, individualized treatment program is necessary to address this complex issue.

Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicide

There’s a strong link between alcohol misuse and suicide, and it starts in the brain. Experts discovered that people who struggle with both alcohol addiction and suicidal tendencies share some common biological traits.

One key area is serotonin. This brain chemical helps control mood, sleep, and appetite. People with both alcohol use disorder and suicidal thoughts often have lower serotonin levels.

Another piece of the puzzle is the brain’s stress response. An overactive HPA axis, your body’s stress regulator, is present in both heavy drinkers and suicidal individuals.

Finally, the structure of the brain itself may play a role. There’s an overlap in certain areas affected by alcohol dependence and suicidality, including the decision-making, impulse control, and reward processing centers.

Why Suicidal Behavior Leads to Addiction

When people are struggling with deep-seated sadness, hopelessness, or despair, they might turn to substances as a way to cope. They self-medicate with substances, from alcohol and prescription painkillers to illicit drugs.

Here are some risk factors common to both addiction and suicide:

  • Co-occurring depression and anxiety disorders
  • Chronic stress
  • Childhood abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence
  • Behavioral health issues like impulsivity, thrill-seeking, and unhealthy coping mechanisms
  • Stressful life events (job loss, death of a loved one, or financial difficulty)

Other Considerations for Addiction and Suicide

You don’t have to be mentally unstable to get addicted. Even those who seem to have it all together can struggle with addiction.

Peer pressure or growing up around family members with addiction issues can also tempt people into drug or alcohol use. Some people experiment with substances but manage to stop without major problems.

Other times, addiction can spiral out of control. The more you use, the worse your mental health gets. It becomes this dangerous, self-perpetuating cycle.

This toxic combination can lead a person down an even darker path, to the point of having thoughts of suicide or even attempting to take their own life.

Treatment Options for Co-occurring Addiction and Suicidal Behavior

Many people find themselves bouncing between mental health providers and addiction specialists to treat both issues. They have to piece together care from different sources. This lack of coordination can have devastating effects, like conflicting advice and treatment delays.

The most effective approach is to seek out treatment facilities that specialize in co-occurring disorders—meaning they have specific expertise in addressing this dual diagnosis.

Your treatment program can be a combination of the following:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT teaches practical skills for managing emotions, handling stress, and improving relationships with others.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): These medications help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
  • Support Groups: These meetings provide a safe space to talk about your struggles and share similar experiences with others without fear of judgment.

If you can’t find a doctor or don’t want to go that route, you can call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Final Thoughts

No one should ever have to battle these demons alone. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction and suicide, please seek help right away.

Reach out to your doctor, call a suicide prevention hotline, or connect with a therapist who specializes in co-occurring disorders.

You are worthy, and you deserve to find healing and recovery. The right care and community can help.

References:

Published on: 2024-09-09
Updated on: 2024-12-18


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