Drug and alcohol addiction is a significant form of self-harm; even if an individual does not have the express intent to hurt him or herself. However, the potential for self-harm increases significantly among addicts who also have a history of suicidal behavior or interest in inflicting pain upon themselves.
How Suicide and Addiction Interact
The continual abuse of drugs or alcohol can have a wide range of effects on a suicidal person. In some cases, those who have no motivation to protect their lives may abuse substances recklessly without any response to the consequences.
Some individuals who truly intend to kill themselves may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to speed up the process—and numb the pain while doing it. Addicts may intentionally overdose on any addictive substance—ranging from painkillers to heroin to cocaine.
In the most recent data provided by the CDC, alcohol abuse has also shown a strong link to suicide cases in America. Specifically, one report from the CDC revealed, “According to data from a recent National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) report, in 2007 alcohol was a factor in approximately one-third of the reported suicides, and 62 percent of these decedents had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of >0.08 g/dL at the time of death.”
Other individuals who struggle with suicidal thoughts may not try to kill themselves with drugs or alcohol, but rather turn to these substances as a way to cope with existing depression and anxiety. While addiction can help quell suicidal tendencies, it is not a healthy way to deal with this mental health issue and will only result in extenuating medical problems and possibly death.
Finding Help for Suicide and Addiction
If you know someone who struggles with suicide and addiction concurrently, it can be extremely difficult to know how to face this situation. The sensitivity of suicide and addiction could cause some individuals to pursue even more dangerous activities if they are confronted or accused of self-abuse. For this reason, it is important to take the right steps to ensure that your loved one is protected from both suicide and substance use disorder. Here are a few tips:
- Start Talking Genuinely
Confronting an individual right away with concerns that he or she may be suicidal—as well as abusing drugs or alcohol—may lead to anger or denial. However, this does not mean you should ignore the problem. Instead, it is important to show as much support as you can in a genuine fashion. Start by talking to your loved one about how life is going, how they feel and why they feel a certain way. While you may not have solutions, it is important to encourage them to talk about these things, as it may help them become more open to reaching out for professional help and turning to you for support.
- Tell The Individual’s Loved Ones
If you have recognized the warning signs of addiction or suicidal behavior in a friend or family member, it is also important to make sure that those who care about the person are made aware of the situation. If you are a friend or coworker, it can help to have a direct conversation with the individual’s parents, spouse or close relatives. If you are a family member, make sure to reach out to those who are closest to the individuals—such as close friends and colleagues who can keep an eye on any suspicious, dangerous activity.
- Help Them Find Professional Assistance
If your loved one begins to express interest in finding help for either suicide or addiction—or both, it is important to direct him or her to the right professionals. One great way to encourage individuals to begin exploring ways to approach suicidal thoughts is to have your friend reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
If the person shows interest in not only talking through their feelings but actively taking steps to beat addiction and existing mental health conditions, you can help them find a reliable rehabilitation center. While it is important to get an individual into a recovery center as soon as possible, it is also critical to make sure that the chosen facility can provide the proper dual diagnosis treatment.
- Know How to Respond to an Emergency
While limiting access to dangerous substances and spending more time supporting a loved one can help reduce the risk of substance use disorder and suicide, incidents can still happen. If you find someone who has attempted suicide, it is essential to call 911 immediately. It also advised to look for signs—such as empty bottles—that a person may have ingested a lethal dose of drugs or alcohol to assist the suicide. This information can help emergency respondents take the correct actions to help save the individual’s life.
Protect Your Life and the Lives of Loved Ones with Chapters Capistrano
Chapters Capistrano is a leading Southern California addiction recovery facility that offers flexible treatment options. Our versatile approach to treatment is exceptional for individuals who struggle with mental health issues—such as suicide—in addition to addiction.
If you are ready to seek help for yourself or a loved one, please call us today at 949-276-2886.
