The Tragic Link Between Addiction and Suicide

Facts About Addiction and Suicide

When you are living with an alcohol and drug addiction, individuals can experience impacts on your physical and mental health. There has been a significant correlation between substance abuse creating an increased risk factor for suicide and suicidal ideations. Living with substance use disorders can influence a person’s impulse control, mood or emotional regulation, and loss of inhibition. Drugs and alcohol abuse will increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety due to feelings of social isolation, loss of connection with loved ones, and loss of a sense of purpose as individuals lose sight of what was once important to them. As symptoms of mental health progress, there is an increased risk or likelihood of suicide, suicidal ideations, and risk suicide attempts. 

The correlation between substance use disorders and risk for suicide has been noted in studies such as: 

  • 40% of patients that enter an addiction treatment center have reported at least one suicide attempt 
  • 90% of individuals that completed suicide have either a mental health disorder or substance use disorders 
  • Individuals living with alcohol dependence are ten times more likely than the general population to attempt suicide 
  • 70% of adolescents that have a suicide attempt or completed suicide will have substance use disorders. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at (877) 640-7820 to learn how we can help.

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Connection

There is a high correlation between individuals living with substance use disorders and mental health disorders, known as co-occurring disorders. As individuals experience side effects and symptoms from mental health disorders, it can create debilitating side effects within a person’s life. Many will turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating to lessen the severity of side effects or numb any unpleasant emotions. As individuals begin to self-medicate, it increases the risk of developing a drug and alcohol addiction which furthers the cycle of substance abuse and impacts the stability of any presenting mental health concerns. 

Discover sober activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol here:

36+ Cool Things to Do in Tampa, FL (Besides Partying)

Help for Anyone With Suicidal Thoughts 

When you or a loved one are concerned about the risk factor for suicide or have a family history of suicidal ideations or suicide attempts, it is vital to know who you can reach out to in your greatest time of need. The number 988 is America’s suicide prevention hotline, available to anyone who needs it 24/7. Your life matters, and when you are in the depths of depression or dark thoughts, it can feel like there is nowhere to turn to find hope and light. Calling 988 will offer individuals mental health support and counseling that will help provide you with support and mental health resources that you need to keep yourself or a loved one safe from suicidal ideations or attempts of suicide. If you or a loved one are ready to address your concerns and mental health concerns, call our team, and we will work with you to get you into our addiction treatment center within the same day. If our treatment center is full, our team will support you in finding a treatment center that can help you within the same day. 

Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we want to provide individuals with the hope and support they need to safely and comfortably begin the healing process of mental health and substance use disorders. Our team will be with you every step of the way in your addiction recovery and mental health treatment programs to ensure you can heal from your past while gaining the tools to manage any co-occurring disorders through healthy, holistic practices that will support you in a life-changing journey of long-term addiction recovery and stability. Contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today and begin your healing journey with us to rekindle your hope and inspiration for life with you and your loved one again. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.