There is little doubt that suicide can be a scary topic. However, it is one that should never be avoided, especially when discussing addiction and suicidal behaviors. There are many substances associated with suicidal behaviors, which is why a better understanding of them can be crucial. This information could mean the difference between tragedy and recovery.
Understanding Suicide and Suicidal Behaviors
Suicide is one of the most devastating acts that exists in the human experience. It is certainly devastating to know what a person who has suicidal behaviors is going through. It is an experience that leaves a lasting scar on loved ones, families, and communities as a whole.
Unfortunately, suicide is also more common than many people may think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 49,400 people.” Also, “suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44. There were nearly two times as many suicides (49,476) in the United States as there were homicides (24,849).” These are tragic numbers, and they are also closely linked with addiction.
Better Understanding Suicidal Behaviors and Addiction
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, you may well know the strong negative emotions that are associated with it. You may even know what it feels like to experience or witness suicidal behaviors. Please know that you are not alone in these feelings. They are more common than many people may think.
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Current Addiction Reports, “Among people with an underlying vulnerability to risk-taking and impulsive behaviors, chronic alcohol intoxication can increase maladaptive coping behaviors and hinder self-regulation, thereby increasing the risk of suicide. Additionally, chronic opioid use can result in neurobiological changes that lead to increases in negative affective states, jointly contributing to suicide risk and continued opioid use.” This also alludes to the substances that are most closely associated with suicidal behaviors.
What Substances Are Most Strongly Linked to Suicidal Behaviors?
The reality is that when addicted, most substances can lead to suicidal behaviors. This is because the feeling that one no longer has control over their own life can lead one to feel like there is no way out.
Some substances are more closely associated with suicidal behaviors. For instance, opioids are synthetic substances that are very closely related to suicide. This is true both in people who use opioids as a tool to commit suicide and those who choose other means of suicide as a result of opioid addiction. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Pain, “The present findings indicate that greater opioid dose is a marker for increased suicide risk. In addition, the present results indicate that this relationship is not limited to suicide by overdose but that opioid dose is associated with a broader array of suicide methods.”
Cocaine is also a substance that contributes to suicidal behaviors. According to the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, “The type of drug consumed, the amount used, and the degree of consumption are also contributing factors to suicide-related outcomes. SI [suicidal ideations] seems to be relatively higher among cocaine users. Studies indicate that the prevalence of cocaine use in the days prior to suicide is around 9 to 20%.” However, while opioids and cocaine are substances highly associated with suicide, alcohol is the most commonly associated substance of them all.
Alcohol and Suicidal Behaviors
The reality is that alcohol is a depressant, and depression and suicide are closely linked. Alcohol is also often used to ease emotional pain, which unfortunately often compounds this pain into something much worse.
According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Suicide is an escalating public health problem, and alcohol use has consistently been implicated in the precipitation of suicidal behavior. Alcohol abuse may lead to suicidality through disinhibition, impulsiveness, and impaired judgment, but it may also be used as a means to ease the distress associated with committing an act of suicide.” The good news is that there is a solution.
Many effective means, methods, and modalities can help one recover from addiction and reduce suicidal behaviors. These methods include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma therapy. There are also effective experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy. Then there are holistic methods like yoga and meditation that have been proven to reduce depression. The key is to find what works for you and stick with it.
Our Primary Purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center
At The Phoenix Recovery Center, our primary purpose is to save lives. We do so one client at a time by offering individualized plans that focus on long-term success.
Suicidal behaviors do not need to lead to tragedy. There is a way out – a solution. You can do this! We can help.
It can be vital to know the substances most associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This can help lead to the best methods of prevention and treatment. These are substances like cocaine and heroin. However, one of the most dangerous substances associated with suicide is the depressant known as alcohol. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
