Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in America and has tragically risen by 35% in the past twenty years. Depression and other mood disorders are the primary causes of suicide, but many people are unaware of the strong links between drug and alcohol use and suicide.
Yes, Drug and Alcohol Use Can Increase Suicide Risk
The truth is that alcohol and drug use can put you at a higher risk of dying by suicide. While this is distressing news, knowledge is power, and effective treatment is available for suicide ideation, substance use, and abuse. There is hope for a happier and healthier future.
Read on for what to know about the connection between substance usage and suicide, how using drugs and alcohol increases your risk—and most importantly, how to get help for both your substance use issues and mental health concerns.
Crisis Support
If you have suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Prevalence of Suicide
In any given year, about 44,000 people will die of suicide, which amounts to approximately 121 suicides per day. Most people who die by suicide—at least 90%—are battling a psychiatric disorder. But many people who die by suicide also might be using substances or alcohol. People with alcohol or drug abuse disorders are 10 to 14 times more likely to die by suicide.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
22% of suicides involve alcohol inebriation
Opiates (prescription painkillers and heroin) are found in 20% of deaths involving suicide
Marijuana use is present in 10.2% of suicides
Cocaine use is a factor in 4.6% of suicides
Amphetamine usage is found in 3.4% of suicides
In addition to deaths, alcohol is a factor in suicide attempts, with 30% to 40% of suicide attempts involving alcohol intoxication. In addition, suicide attempts land about 650,000 people in emergency rooms in any given year.
How Alcohol and Drugs Increase Suicide Risk
There are several different ways that alcohol and drug use increases suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Research shows that substance abuse in and of itself can increase these risks, especially among those who engage in chronic substance use.
Some of the ways that substance use increases suicidal risk include:
Reductions in sound judgment and impulse control
Drugs and alcohol can disrupt neurotransmitter pathways, resulting in inhibition loss
Substance misuse can lead to neurological damage and serious medical complications, which can increase the risk of psychiatric diseases linked to suicide
Different substances may affect the body and create unique suicide risks. Drugs can have stimulant effects, depressing effects, or a combination. For example:
Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines) can lead to decreased inhibitions, erratic behavior, and impulsiveness, all of which increase the risk of suicidal behaviors
Depressants (alcohol, opiates) may be linked to the feelings of hopelessness and depression common among people with suicidal behaviors
Additionally, people contemplating suicide may believe that being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a suicide attempt decreases pain or makes them more likely to follow through. Substance abuse also reduces the chance that a person can use their cognitive skills to consider alternatives to suicide or to think clearly enough to reach out for mental health support.
Other Risk Factors for Suicide
Substance abuse alone can increase your risk of suicide. Still, in most cases, people who use substances and die by suicide experience co-morbid psychiatric conditions. In addition, age and other socioeconomic determinants may increase risk.
People with psychiatric and substance use disorders are at a higher risk of suicide.
Here’s what to know:
People at the highest risk are those with bipolar disorder and clinical depression
Schizophrenia and anxiety disorder also increases the risk
Males with both depression and alcoholism have the highest risk of suicide
People who have bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder have a 21% to 42% increased risk of suicide attempts
People who have both bipolar disorder and substance use disorder have an increased risk of suicide attempts in comparison to people who experience bipolar disorder only
Specific individuals who have substance use issues may be at increased risk of suicide:
Young people with substance use issues are at higher risk of suicide
Among American and Alaskan native people, a combination of alcohol and depression is the most prevalent risk factor for suicide
Depression, social problems, and financial issues, along with substance use issues, increase suicide risk
People who are generally prone to impulsive behavior and who use drugs or alcohol are at an increased risk of suicide
Getting Help
When it comes to preventing suicide, a multi-factorial approach works best. Addressing psychiatric conditions, social conditions, and life circumstances, along with any substance use issues, is vital to decreasing the risk of suicide.
First, it’s essential to understand and recognize the signs of suicide ideation and substance use.
Some warning signs may include:
Increased use of drugs and alcohol
Isolating oneself from family and friends
Feeling detached, without hope, or numb
Noticeable changes in sleeping and eating
Intense mood swings
An uptick in risky and impulsive behaviors
Giving away or donating your personal items
Sharing thoughts of wanting to die or wanting to be gone from life
Making active plans for dying by suicide
There are various treatment options available if you are a loved one at increased risk of suicide and substance abuse. Therapy, psychiatric care, and medications can help address any contributing psychiatric conditions.
People who experience substance use or misuse may find substance use counseling helpful. Others may require in-patient care at a substance abuse treatment center. You can go to findtreatment.gov to find a substance abuse treatment center near you.
At other times, it may be vital for you or your loved one to seek emergency care for suicide. Effective and confidential care is available to you if you or your loved one is at immediate risk of self-harm or suicide.
Suicide is something that affects people from all walks of life and is something that must be taken seriously. Substance use among people who die by suicide is more prevalent than most realize, and it’s essential to understand the connection between the two. The good news is that suicide and substance use disorders are preventable, and many treatment options exist to address both suicidal ideation and substance use.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you or a loved one is experiencing these challenges. Hope is out there, and your life is important.
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Courtesy: Wendy Wisner
Published on October 06, 2022